In the last article we looked at how advanced training programs can benefit companies and employers. From increased productivity and innovation over higher employee retention to knowledge transfer within the company, there are plenty of good reasons to invest in additional education for your staff.
But not only is it a smart move for employers to offer training opportunities, it is an equally good idea for their workers to embrace them. In this article we will examine why taking part in vocational training is crucial for employees and how it offers numerous benefits both in the short term and in the long term.
Short-term benefits of vocational training for employees
Better chances of employment
Research has shown that additional training has a positive impact on a person’s employment opportunities. Acquiring new skills and competencies can extend options for professional advancement and offer additional career choices. There are also indications that VET may contribute to reducing unemployment and protect people from becoming unemployed in the first place.
Higher earning levels
Studies typically show that individuals who seek additional education receive higher wages than their counterparts. According to studies conducted in the Netherlands, staff taking part in continuing VET measures earned 3.3%-15.7% more than those who did not. This benefit continues to be present and compound throughout their career.
Increased job satisfaction
Workers who attend advanced training generally feel more satisfied with what they do. In fact, the evidence is highly supportive that the effects of training on job satisfaction increases with the number of training days, although at a diminishing rate.
One of the reasons is that training allows people to elevate their skills to the level their jobs require of them. Empirical results have shown for this to have significant impact on the feeling of job satisfaction. In short, those who feel better prepared and competent at what they do generally feel better doing it.
Long-term benefits of vocational training for employees
Improved flexibility and mobility
As mentioned above, the acquisition of additional skill sets has a positive influence on career opportunities. Better-qualified people are usually in higher demand and are therefore able to command a wider range of choices. This also results in better job mobility as it makes it easier for employees to transition from one job to another.
Lifelong learning
Workplace learning should also not be seen as a one-time investment but a continuous process. The research suggests that this attitude is shared by employees who actively engage in it. Workers who take part in additional training in the present are also more likely to do the same and upgrade their skills later in life.
Other benefits of vocational training
A positive influence on child education in families
One curious outcome of vocational training is the effect it has on the next generation. It appears that parents who invest in VET programs have a stronger tendency to provide learning activities for their children and dedicate themselves to creating a more stimulating environment than those who don’t.
VET provides mental, health, and societal benefits
Vocational training has also been shown to help individuals develop social competencies and improve health-related behavior. It can have a positive impact on a person’s motivation, attitude, self-esteem, and self-confidence especially among the unemployed. Furthermore, additional training is also good news for society as a whole as it is linked to increased membership of voluntary organizations taking part in the civil society.
Soufflearning is a training concept that provides personal feedback for employees on their everyday work processes. It helps build competencies, offers insights in areas of improvement and can be flexibly adapted to the trainee’s needs. You can learn more the method here.
Do you agree with our list? Do you know any other benefits of VET measures? Let us know in the comments.