Training and development are not optional extras. Nor are they:

Add-ons

After thoughts

Added extras

Rewards

Last minute

Second thoughts

Treats

Privileges

Annual events

Sometimes/maybe

The work you do is changing all the time, sometimes in small and almost undetectable ways, sometimes in big and very obvious ways. To stay on top, to keep ahead of the game, you need to change and develop with the work.

Even at those times when there is little change in the work you will still be changing, you’ll be learning new tricks and techniques, gaining experience, learning on the job.

This is good because a job that doesn’t change is repetitive and sooner later you’ll get bored. And it’s good because it means that you are getting better at what you do and staying ahead of competitors.

So, training and development are happening all the time.

Sometimes the need or opportunity for learning is small, sometimes it’s big and you’ll need to get help from a colleague or do a training course.

Here’s a great thing – work becomes more interesting and rewarding if you are mindful of these changes and opportunities, if you can see the gain in knowledge and experience, if you can plan your development, and if you can get help, support and guidance from others with more experience.

What have you learnt today?