Professional development is an essential component of career growth, and training is a vital part of it.

Employers often promise training to their employees, and in fact many use it as a tool to attract talent to the business at the interview stage, making all sorts of assertions to prospective hires in the recruitment process about training courses they will be provided, mentoring they will receive and professional qualifications that will be sponsored, but sometimes these promises are not fulfilled.

This can definitely lead to frustration and stagnation in one's career. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to approach your boss when you're not getting the training you were promised.

The Importance of Training in Professional Development

As covered in our previous blog training and personal development plays a crucial role in the professional development of employees. It helps individuals acquire new skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary to advance their careers.

Training also helps employees stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in their field, particularly important in technical environments that engineers in the Building Management Systems, PropTech and Smart Buildings space operate, making them more valuable to their company.

The benefits of training are not just limited to individuals; organisations benefit from it too. Trained employees are more productive, innovative, and motivated, which ultimately benefits the organisation.

Promises Made by Employers Regarding Training

When employees join an organisation, they are often promised training as part of their professional development.

These promises are often made during the hiring process as part of the package of benefits offered to the employee and also arise through requests by the employee during employment to drive their career forwards.

The training promised can be in the form of job-specific skills or general professional development opportunities. The promises could be about attending seminars, workshops, or courses, or even a rotation and subsequent promotion to another department.

However, despite the best intentions of the employer, these promises are not always fulfilled. The reasons behind this can be varied and may include budgetary constraints, scheduling conflicts, or a lack of resources. Sometimes, the promises may have been made without a clear plan in place to deliver them. Regardless of the reason, unfulfilled promises can lead to frustration and disillusionment among employees.

Frustration When Promises Aren't Fulfilled

When promises of training are not fulfilled, employees can feel devalued and unappreciated. They may feel that the organization does not value their contributions, and this can lead to disengagement and a lack of motivation.

In some cases, employees may even consider leaving the organisation, which can be costly for the employer in terms of recruitment and training new staff, so everybody would benefit if you can proactively encourage your employer to follow through on their T&D promises.

Steps to Approach Your Employer When You're Not Getting the Promised Training

Approaching your manager to discuss training can be a delicate matter. However, if done correctly, it can be a positive experience that leads to a better understanding of your professional development needs. Here are the steps to approach your boss when you're not getting the training you were promised:

Gather Information About the Promised Training

Before you approach your boss, gather your facts about the promised training. What was promised? When was it promised? Who made the promise? Do you have anything in writing? This information will help you frame your discussion and provide evidence to support your case.

Evaluate the Reasons for the Delay or Lack of Training

Explore the possible reasons behind the delay or lack of training. Is there a budget issue? Are there scheduling conflicts? Is there a lack of resources? Understanding the reasons behind the delay or lack of training can help you come up with potential solutions. It could even be that the only reason is that they have so busy, they simply have not prioritised getting the training booked for you and simply engaging with them about it again will be enough.

Approach Your Boss With a Positive Attitude

When you're ready to approach your manager, do so with a positive attitude. Schedule a meeting and express gratitude for the training that was offered and that you are keen to get it booked and move forward with it as soon as possible. Explain the importance of the promised training to you and how it will benefit both you and the company. Also, you can highlight the impact that you not having had that training yet is having on you and your ability to deliver upon the work they are assigning to you.

Present Possible Solutions

Present possible solutions to the delay or lack of training. Offer to attend training outside of work hours, suggest alternative forms of training such as online courses or webinars, and propose a plan for how the training can be integrated into your work schedule. By presenting solutions, you show your boss that you are proactive and committed to your professional development.

Ultimately, communication and proactivity are essential in addressing concerns regarding promised training.

If you're not getting the training you were promised, gather information, evaluate the reasons for the delay or lack of training, approach your boss with a positive attitude, and present possible solutions. Taking control of your professional development can help you achieve your career goals and benefit the organization you work for.

If you have tried the above and still are not getting the training and development you were promised, there is one more step to take.

Get in contact with us to see how we can help you make that next step!

If you are unhappy with your current development, feel free to reach out for a confidential discussion on 02031549422 or info@crucial-people.com and let us help you.

You can view some of our live vacancies HERE