In an uncertain world, employees are having to seek new and inventive ways to improve their career prospects and stand out from the crowd. Business owners are showing reluctance to progress careers for fear of financial investment during an impending economic downturn.

That’s why employees may need to take their own initiative to prove their value and secure that new role they deserve. One of the ways to do so is by undertaking training programmes with  CPD accreditation. By learning new skills and plugging gaps in knowledge with e-learning courses, employees can utilise this new learning to their advantage.

We look at how these CPD accredited courses can help with career progression below.

What Is CPD?

Continued professional development is a source many employees use to further their career. The courses utilise a proactive approach to learning to help improve existing skills or further current ones.

It is an ongoing process, meaning that new skills and knowledge are always available.

Looks Good On The CV

The job market is more competitive than ever before. High-levels of redundancy due to COVID-19 has meant record numbers of candidates are applying for job roles with numerous areas.

This is why it is more important than ever to boost a CV and boast about anything that could make an individual stand out.

While CPD courses may not be on the same level as a degree, they can be more powerful. By undertaking these courses with an employees own initiative, it shows a willingness to learn and a drive to extend and further knowledge. This is something that always reflects well with potential employers.

Retains Interest

Even roles that were once considered the dream can become stagnant. People often look for a career change simply because they have lost interest in their current area.

While no one should be discouraged from a career change, if it is the right choice, it is often viewed as an error in hindsight.

By continuing training with CPD accredited courses, this retains an interest in a current career and can reignite a passion for the area.

This reduces ‘job-hopping’ which can lead to a slower career progression.

Aids Change In Career

If a career change has been carefully considered and deemed the best course of action in life, it can be incredibly difficult to enter a new area at the same level as a previous role.

Even an entry-level role can be highly competitive and if candidates are pitted against others with experience or relevant training, it can be difficult to get a foot in the door.

By displaying CPD accredited courses on covering letters and CVs, not only does it show an applicant has knowledge in the field, but also a passion for it, portraying the devotion employers are looking for.

Provides Value

The internet is a vast world of information, but it can be difficult to filter through everything online to find accurate and up-to-date material.

CPD accredited courses are independently verified, meaning that what is being taught is correct and in-line with the latest data.

This means there is no risk of being fed false information and risking putting this new learning into practice, that could actually be detrimental.

Scores Points With The Bosses

Every employee wants to portray themselves as a hard worker and an essential part of the workforce.

But completing CPD courses and allowing managers to be aware of this, employees will show initiative, willing to learn and a positive attitude towards the business.

This can lead to course participants being considered for new roles, promotions and pay rises over colleagues.

By passing on new-found knowledge to team members, it shows management skills that can lead to employees taking this position full-time.

Flexible Learning

Many employees have a willingness to learn but juggling a full-time job and home commitments can mean this simply isn’t viable.

Unlikely conventional education, CPD courses can be completed in any time frame with no deadlines.

From a quick 5 minute session to a few hours in the evening, learning periods can be tailored to whatever suits the learner.

The courses are mobile and tablet friendly, meaning they can be done on the go, perfect for busy working lives.

They also provide access to experts in the field, so any questions that arise during the learning process can be accurately addressed.

This access isn’t restricted upon competition of the course either, meaning solutions can be accessed for daily work tasks, leaving managers and colleagues impressed.

Enhances Learning Skills

For employees who have been out of formal education for some years, commencing learning again can be difficult when out of practice.

These CPD courses can offer alternative forms of learning, from quizzes, gamification and videos. By reintroducing the learning process in this way, it can make it easier for employees to adapt to education again, leading to more intense training methods becoming easier.

Boosts Confidence

One of the best personality traits to help with career development is confidence. Few people who are apprehensive in their professional life will see themselves progress quickly.

Employees need to know their worth to be able to argue their case during annual reviews.

One of the common reasons employees may not feel confident is due to knowledge gaps in their field.

By filling these gaps with CPD courses, confidence can be quickly boosted and reinforcing current knowledge alongside can help employees acknowledge just how valuable they are to a business.

HR Future Staff Writer, UK.