Training and developing your staff is an investment.
In the 11 years I have been the Training Manager at AME I have received a mixed opinion on staff training and development from our customers.
Training is often a key area for debate in many businesses, some think that training is not required as the staff already know how to do their job, others have continual concerns when in times of economic uncertainty and cut training budgets in order to keep costs down.
However there are many reasons to suggest that regular training is worth the investment especially as employees are the most valuable asset in business.
SO WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ENSURE YOU PROVIDE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUR STAFF?
Firstly, I know it might sound little obvious but training employees to be more skilled could improve their overall performance. One of the most popular courses we run is Microsoft Excel, and although most people feel confident in using this application it’s amazing to see how many delegates regularly provide us with feedback using comments like, “I used to spend half a day doing that, now I can do it in a few clicks”.
Providing training for employees is also great for staff retention. It’s often difficult to hold onto great employees but providing them with regular training will show that your business is interested in investing time and money into developing their skills.
It’s also worth mentioning that with technology forever evolving and new software versions coming out all the time it is important that staff are trained in new features. In 2015 Microsoft provided all businesses with a free upgrade to Windows 10. In light of this we offer a Windows 10 training course which is great for any member of staff, providing them with key information on the changes in this latest version and new features that it offers.
Training also adds flexibility and efficiency to your business. You can cross-train employees to be capable in more than one aspect of the business. Teach them to be competent in sales, customer service, administration and operations. This will provide staff with varied job roles and assist when filling in for absences. Cross-training also fosters team spirit, as employees appreciate the challenges faced by co-workers.
AME Training Courses
Although mainly known for our IT related courses, we also run courses like PRINCE2, Credit Control, AutoCAD, Web Development, Adobe and our new Soft Skills and Train the Trainer courses.
As mentioned one of the latest courses we have added to our portfolio is our Train the Trainer course which is proving to be very popular. This course is great for businesses that already have an in house trainer or are looking to bring their training in house. Some of our customers are make use of this course already in order to start undertaking some of their own training.
Many of our courses like Credit Control, AutoCAD and Web Development courses are enabling staff to keep these skills in house therefore saving costly fees from third party companies.
If we look at WordPress, for example, which is freely downloadable software and highly supported, we have many customers who have paid thousands of pounds every time they want to update their website. Once they come onto our 2 day WordPress course they can then not only update existing websites but create their own.
Where it is a new staff member needing training or updating or learning new skills AME are here to help you.
For more information about the training courses we offer, please visit our website; www.amesolutions.co.uk or contact us on 01392 824 022 Option 2.