Spherion^® has discovered a trend that could be undermining the best efforts of today’s employers to provide ongoing learning and skill enhancement. While the overwhelming majority do offer training and development options, according to the survey, employees are far less likely to be familiar with those options. And for the few who are aware of available training and development programs, nearly half (46%) aren’t satisfied with them.

• Maximizing training opportunities.
  Until employers begin to better tailor, market and communicate their training and development programs, workers must take the initiative to seek out learning opportunities in order to further their careers. Here are some practical tips on how to discover and maximize your training opportunities:

• Develop a plan.
  Identify your career goals, and determine what types of training and development programs you need to succeed.

• Talk to your manager.
  Share with your supervisor(s) the types of learning opportunities that are most interesting to you, then work together to identify them.

• Take advantage of opportunities in your current role.
  Volunteer for “stretch” assignments, or propose projects, that could help you learn a new skill.

• Look within other areas of the organization.
  Often companies develop task forces, or special committees, that include employees from a number of functions across the company. These are excellent opportunities to become more visible, and to develop skills outside the scope of your job.

• Visit your human resources department.
  Often there are training opportunities available that you may not be aware of. Inquire about all development programs, whether computer-based, classroom or outside seminars. Check all the tools and sources where these might be posted. Ask if the company will pay for you to attend a conference or join a professional association that can offer training opportunities.

• Take the lead.
  If your company doesn’t offer formal training programs, or is missing the mark on what employees really need, volunteer to lead a task force to survey employees and help develop appropriate and cost-effective programs at your organization.

Improving or expanding your skills enhances your marketability. Greater marketability can translate to better pay and more job opportunities. More opportunities mean more career growth. To kick-start this positive chain of events, discover and take advantage of training and development programs in your organization today.