
Upskilling existing employees is essential to growing your business and retaining a competitive edge in the marketplace. The data shows 45% of workers are more likely to stay in their role if they receive training, so it is important to ensure upskilling is an integral part of your company ethos.
Upskilling can also be a cost-effective alternative to hiring new staff to fill skills gaps in your workforce. There are many different ways to upskill your employees depending on the needs and budget of your business, from apprenticeships to short courses.
Here are 7 different ways to upskill your employees
1. Apprenticeships
A common misconception about apprenticeships is that they are only for new hires or young people, when in fact apprenticeships can be used to train anyone within your organisation regardless of age or when they were hired.
Apprenticeships are a perfect option for employers who want to upskill their employees with a new set of skills or develop their basic knowledge to an advanced level. Apprenticeships are also great for providing employees with a nationally recognised qualification and improving employee retention rates.
Alongside developing vocational skills, apprenticeships can be used to develop skills that employees need to progress to the next level in the business e.g. management apprenticeships, business admin apprenticeships and Customer service apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships are also one of the most cost-effective ways to upskill staff with a formal qualification as they are supported by funding from the government.
2. Professional development courses
Upskilling with a certified professional development course can help your employees to learn new skills and gain a qualification from an industry-specific board. These types of courses are best suited to those who are already working in their desired industry and need a higher qualification to progress to a senior role.
Qualifications from industry-recognised associations can also help to add credibility to your employee and company. Our professional development partners, MOL Learn, offer courses from CIPD, CMI, Propertymark and APM.
Unlike apprenticeships, courses like this cannot be funded by the government so you or the employee will be responsible for paying the full cost of the upskilling course.
3. Webinars and events
Getting your employees to upskill by attending webinars and industry events is perfect for those who need to sharpen or update their skills in one specific area of their role. Events like these are often led by industry experts and give employees the opportunity to discover innovative new ways to complete a certain task.
One or two-day events can often work out cheaper than the cost of a whole training course, however your employees will not be assessed on their capabilities or receive any formal qualification. Webinars and events are best used in combination with an apprenticeship or professional development with those new to the industry or role.
4. Articles and publications
Similarly to events, articles and publications can help employees to stay up to date with the industry, learn about new developments in their sector, and learn task-specific skills.
All employees should show an active interest in staying up to date with the trends in their industry but we highly recommend it in sectors where there are frequent changes to policy or practice e.g. human resources, property, and digital marketing.
Some publications may require a small subscription fee however many are available for free – the downside being that no skills assessment is done and no qualification is received through this method of upskilling employees.
5. Short courses
For those who need to develop skills in one particular area but need formal training, assessment and a qualification at the end, short courses are the perfect solution.
Short courses combine all the learning benefits of apprenticeships and professional development courses with the time-effective aspect of events and articles.
Our short courses are delivered online, CPD certified with funding options available for those who meet the eligibility requirements. You can upskill employees with short courses that last from 1 day to 12 weeks in a variety of areas including first aid, management, and digital skills.
Upskilling employees can help your business to retain staff, improve performance and grow over time. Whichever route you choose, our expert team is always on hand to help you every step of the way.
6. Learning from YouTube
YouTube is a powerful, free learning tool that can help employees gain new skills quickly. Many industry professionals and educators share high-quality content on a range of topics, from technical skills to soft skills, leadership, and industry trends.
Encouraging employees to follow reputable channels related to their field can provide ongoing learning opportunities. While YouTube lacks formal qualifications, it is a great supplement to structured training programmes and help you learn things while on the job.
7. Mentoring and coaching
Pairing employees with mentors or coaches within the organisation can be an effective way to transfer knowledge and develop leadership skills. This method fosters professional growth by providing guidance, support, and real-world insights.
Mentoring can be particularly useful for preparing employees for leadership positions, while coaching can help them develop specific competencies. Mentorship can also be a great way to support apprentices during their training.
Why you should choose apprenticeships to upskill employees
Apprenticeships offer a structured and highly effective way to develop employees while allowing them to continue working. Here’s why they are a great option for upskilling:
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New Skills and Knowledge - Apprenticeships equip employees with the latest industry skills and knowledge, helping them stay relevant and capable in their roles
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Tailored Learning Programmes - Training is designed around the specific needs of the job role and industry, ensuring that employees gain practical, job-related expertise
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Free Training - Government funding often covers the cost of apprenticeship training, making it a cost-effective way to upskill staff without significant financial investment
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Recognised Qualification - At the end of an apprenticeship, employees receive a nationally recognised qualification, adding credibility to their skills and career progression
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Combination with Other Upskilling Methods - Apprenticeships can be combined with mentoring, short courses, and other forms of professional development, allowing employees to benefit from a well-rounded learning experience.
Why choose Total People to upskill your staff
Total People is a leading apprenticeship provider in the North, offering tailored solutions to help businesses upskill their workforce effectively. With tailored programmes designed to meet employer needs, funding support, and ongoing guidance, we ensure that businesses and employees receive the highest quality apprenticeship training.
If an apprenticeship isn’t the right option for your employees, Total People also offer a range of short training courses, including CPD, functional skills, employability courses, and English and maths. These courses provide an alternative way to upskill your workforce efficiently and effectively.
Contact us today to upskill your employees with an apprenticeship.