How to train for your job

Some companies offer education sabbaticals

Education does not have to end on the last day of school. Extra job-related training can be very useful in a number of professions to keep you up to date with the latest techniques.

It can also help you get a better job with more money. Studying or training can happen in the workplace, in a college/university or through a distance learning system such as The Open University.

So what are the types of qualification and skills training you can receive? There are numerous types, depending on your chosen profession, including GCSEs, A-levels and vocational qualifications up to higher diplomas and doctorates.

You can obviously study for these yourself or your employer may pick up the bill. Some companies even offer a sabbatical after you have completed a number of years.

Investors in People

Those who have qualified for an Investors in People status, for example, have a duty to assist you in this department.

Investors in People is a national standard developed in 1990 to establish a basic commitment from companies to invest both time and money in their employees.

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For a firm to be awarded this standard, they have to show evidence of planning how employees will be developed and evaluate training and development programmes. One such method could be to help you qualify for an NVQ - although you can apply yourself and an increasing number of school leavers are choosing them.

NVQs

National Vocational Qualifications are a multi-level based scheme. Level one, for example, is recognition of knowledge and performance in a range of mainly routine activities. Level six, on the other hand, shows the person has shown competence in a wider range of activities and responsibilities.

NVQs are qualifications for work and show you can do a job in practice rather than just in theory. They are made up of units describing skills and knowledge required. They are flexible, come with virtually no time limits and there are no exams at the end.