How to get learning at work and boost your earning potential
WANT to earn more at work?
Then learn more at work.
Three in five members of staff do some form of training each year, but employees who focus on improving their skillset, known as upskilling, can earn up to £25,000 a year more.
A recent study from LinkedIn found the abilities needed for jobs in the UK are predicted to change by at least 65 per cent 2030, meaning more of us will need to keep studying to fulfil our roles effectively.
With the growing impact of AI at work, consultancy giant McKinsey estimates 94 per cent of the current workforce, equivalent to 30million UK workers, need some reskilling.
As a result, 42 per cent are already taking on projects to build skills.
Janine Chamberlin, UK Country Manager for LinkedIn explains: “Continuous learning has never been more important.
“The world of work is changing and it is important businesses prioritise learning and development initiatives now.
“Not only will it help them build the skills they will need in the future from within but it will also help them retain their top employees.”
Depending on the sector you work in, learning at work can mean different things.
It can be as simple as completing a mandatory annual certificate or taking a new course adding to what you already know, or it can be training for an entirely new career.
Alison Appleby is a Learning And Development Business Partner for food and drink logistics firm Culina Group.
As well as developing her skillset, she helps others do the same.
Alison, from Shrewsbury, said: “Continuous learning is essential in my role.
“I assist others in their professional development and actively pursue my own growth.
“At every company I’ve worked for, I’ve obtained professional qualifications alongside practical skills.
“This has culminated in my current position, which I started in January last year.
“I’m passionate about my work and prioritise workplace learning, finding it very rewarding.
“If you are thinking about building your skills to join the logistics industry, then visit generationlogistics.org for help.”
Next week is Learning At Work Week — see learningatworkweek.com — where training specialists show the impact that continual professional development can have on your career.
Offering continual training can help companies retain top talent, too.
A report from Cypher Learning shows 77 per cent of staff admit they are more likely to stay with a firm that prioritises training, while 78 per cent want more training linked to the top skills they need for work.
Graham Glass, CEO of Cypher Learning, said: “Employees clearly place high value on training.
“When a culture of learning is created, employees get the tools to thrive and grow.”
Ways to get learning at work:
- LinkedIn offers free courses, see opportunity.linkedin.com.
- Speak to your company’s HR team about what development plans they offer.
- Take up an apprenticeship. See apprenticeships.gov.uk.
- Check out part-time and evening courses at your local college.
- Find a mentor who knows what skills are needed to progress in your sector. Pushfar.com can help you connect with someone.
THE PASS SUPPORT YOU NEED
ONCE you have boosted your knowledge, you can use a “skills passport” to help future-proof your career.
Khyati Sundaram, CEO of recruiting platform beapplied.com, says: “Most of us only think about our skills when we start job hunting.
“But taking the time to reflect on them in advance can help you identify your strengths and new opportunities.”
Here she shares her expert advice.
WHAT IS A SKILLS PASSPORT? Put simply, it is a list of all your skills.
Unlike a CV that focuses on a worker’s previous experience and qualifications, a skills passport helps you recognise your transferable abilities.
It could include project management from a previous job or communication know-how developed while living abroad and meeting new people.
Include more than just work qualifications.
This is especially important if you are looking for your first job or have had a career break.
Perhaps you are a single parent proficient at budgeting or have led a team in a voluntary role.
HOW CAN A SKILLS PASSPORT SUPPORT YOUR CAREER? Having one allows you to quickly identify roles you might be a good fit for, based on your credentials.
It will help if you are moving sectors or have been made redundant or rejected from roles.
Building a list of your skills also helps you feel prepared, confident and on your A game.
WHERE DO I START? Think of relevant prompts.
What skills do you use every day at work?
What would your colleagues say are your biggest strengths?
What abilities have you developed outside of work? What are your biggest accomplishments in your job in the past year?
WHEN SHOULD I UPDATE MY SKILLS PASSPORT? Your skills passport should be a living document.
Update it as you learn new things and move into new roles.
Group your existing list into your top skills, and the ones you would like to enhance.
Follow this with an additional group of new skills that you would like to learn.
MAKE TIDY SUM
DECLUTTERERS are swerving the cost-of-living crisis by flogging their stuff, earning up to £60 an hour.
The Association of Professional Declutterers And Organisers has seen a spike in demand for its services and more people selling as a side hustle.
Louise Knight, from simplyorganised.co.uk, works as declutterer in Devon.
She said: “Being a declutterer is a great job.
“The hours are flexible and it can easily be done around kids.
“APDO gives you a great base for learning the techniques of decluttering.”
Average rates are £40 an hour.
For details, see apdo.co.uk.
CAUGHT SHORT
A THIRD of UK businesses find themselves short-staffed at least once a week, research shows.
Over a quarter of companies struggle to get staff to work overtime and almost half of companies also reported being short-staffed when workers were ill.
Novo Constare, co-founder of jobs app Indeed Flex, said: “Employers are fighting hard to fill vacancies, but many are forced to leave gaps in their rotas on a regular basis.
“This is a big problem for the UK economy, as it can lead to workers doing more overtime and ending up feeling burnt out.”
SALON IS TOP OF THE MOPS
A SMALL hair salon has been named the UK’s best workplace for disabled staff.
Aquarius Hair Design in Earlston, 30 miles south of Edinburgh, clinched the Government’s Disability Confident Award alongside tech giants Microsoft and Vodafone.
The salon employs two staff with learning difficulties, including longest-serving employee Megan Bilsland who has Down’s syndrome. She has worked there for 18 years.
Salon owner Morag Sterrick said: “Our award sits proudly on our desk for all to see.”