At some point in your career, you might need to describe your past, present or future education or training. You may need to apply for a new job, update your CV or work on your personal development goals. Or you may be returning to work after a long period of leave or even considering taking your career in a completely new direction.
Finding the right words to describe the wide range of training possibilities, and being able to explain them clearly, is a skill in itself. Here are explanations of some of the most common education and training options.
Many university students and graduates do a short-term, paid or voluntary internship in a company. The aim is to gain practical skills, workplace experience and knowledge of a particular industry. An internship may also give their CV a boost.
Some people complete a full-time, paid apprenticeship. Normally, one day a week is spent taking classes at a vocational college and the other days getting experience at a workplace. Apprentices do this until they gain enough expertise and qualifications to work independently in a particular field. Carpenters and hairdressers are examples of professionals who take on apprentices.
Those who work in a shop, office or bank may receive on-the-job training from an experienced mentor. Safety-training workshops and team-building exercises may be part of their professional development plan. These kinds of workshops and exercises may be a requirement after a department is restructured, or when a company is taken over.
Skills training teaches new and experienced professionals how to perform particular tasks necessary to do their job better. These skills may include working with a company-specific computer programme, assessing customers’ needs or learning how to use a new cash register or electronic ordering system.
Soft-skills training courses focus on the more human side of things. These courses can cover areas such as communication, interpersonal and managerial skills. They may also address policy issues related to sexual harassment and ethics.
Many people work for global companies with business partners in other countries. Intercultural training and language learning may help when a person attends an international conference, travels to other countries or needs to negotiate a deal.
An accountant unaware of changes in tax laws or a doctor unable to use a hospital’s new, expensive equipment will soon find themselves in trouble. Even professionals with many years’ experience need to continually update their knowledge and qualifications in their profession.