Developing skills through learning at work

Find out different ways to develop and learn at work.

Whether you’re just starting out in your first job or are thinking of ways to improve your career prospects, there are many advantages to doing extra learning in the workplace

Benefits of learning at work

There are many benefits of learning at work. It can help you to:

learn new skills
develop in your current role
move into more senior roles
build confidence
give you a sense of achievement
prepare for a change in career

It also helps employers to:

spot potential talent
fill skills gaps from within the workforce
motivate staff
encourage new ideas and ways of working

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Different ways to learn at work

There are lots of ways to learn at work, from formal training and courses, to more casual arrangements. You could do something like:

online learning
mentoring or coaching
shadowing
taking up a secondment

Find learning you can do whilst working

Some organisations have their own learning platforms, like an intranet, that you can use to do training courses through work. You can also look into free online learning. This lets you pick up new skills at your own pace, and offers a wide variety of options.

You can try mentoring and work shadowing opportunities. These are great ways to learn from your colleagues' experience and to get a better understanding of what’s involved in different roles. They also offer the chance to make new contacts and to demonstrate your enthusiasm for learning new skills.

A secondment is another way to develop your skills. It’s usually a short-term switch of role within your current department, or to support colleagues in a different team. Speak to your line manager, training officer or human resources (HR) department to find out what opportunities are available and to let them know you’re interested in taking them up.

Make time for learning at work

When you are in work, it can be difficult to find the time for extra learning. Have a chat with your manager about your ideas to see if they can support you in planning time around your job.

It can be helpful to set aside some dedicated time for learning each week, and to make sure you keep a good work-life balance. Before starting, set out some aims and create steps to help you meet them. It’s also a good way to see your progress.

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Get involved with Learning at work week

Throughout the week, we will be sharing top tips and advice about learning at work on our social media channels, as well as hearing from people who have benefited from learning.

Here is Ray, one of our careers advisers, sharing just some of the benefits of pursuing learning and development.

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