How to Request Additional Training from Your Boss (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Jan 15

Are you looking to enhance your skills at work but unsure how to approach your boss about additional training or courses? You're not alone. Many professionals find themselves in this situation.

Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to help you navigate this conversation confidently.

Step 1: Identify Your Training Needs

Understanding exactly what you need and why you need it is crucial. Are you looking to improve specific skills? Keep up with industry changes? Or maybe you want to advance in your career?

What to Do: Reflect on your job requirements and long-term career goals. Identify areas where additional training could be beneficial. Be specific about what skills or knowledge you want to gain and how it relates to your current role or future aspirations.

Step 2: Research and Select Appropriate Courses

Coming to your boss with a well-researched plan shows initiative and seriousness.

What to Do: Research courses or training programs that meet your needs. Consider factors like duration, cost, mode of learning (online or in-person), and how it fits with your work schedule. Prepare a list of a few options to discuss.

Step 3: Assess and Prepare to Discuss Benefits

Your boss will want to know how this training benefits not just you but also the team and the company.

What to Do: Think about the broader impact of your training. How will it improve your productivity, bring new skills to the team, or even save costs in the long run? Prepare to articulate these benefits clearly.

Step 4: Review Your Company’s Policy on Professional Development

Understanding your company's existing policies on professional growth is crucial. Many organizations have specific budgets, protocols, or preferred providers for employee training. Being aware of these can streamline your request process.

What to Do: Start by reviewing your company’s employee handbook or internal resources. Look for information on training and development policies. Some key points to note:

Budget for Professional Development: Check if there is a dedicated budget or reimbursement policy for employee training.
Eligibility Criteria: Some companies have restrictions based on tenure or job level. For instance, employees in their first year might not be eligible for certain training benefits.
Pre-approved Courses or Providers: Your company might already have partnerships with certain training providers or a list of pre-approved courses.
Application Process: There might be a formal process to apply for training benefits, like filling out specific forms or getting approvals from multiple levels of management.

If the information isn’t readily available, consider reaching out to your HR department for clarification.

Step 5: Plan Your Approach

The way you present your request can significantly influence the outcome.

What to Do: Choose a good time to talk to your boss – avoid busy periods or end-of-day rushes. Plan to have this discussion in a quiet, uninterrupted environment. If possible, schedule a meeting specifically for this purpose.

Step 6: Have the Conversation

Start the conversation by expressing your enthusiasm and commitment to your role. Then, introduce your training request, highlighting the research you’ve done and the benefits it offers. Be concise and focused in your explanation.

Note: When discussing your training request, reference your company’s policy if it supports your case. For example, if your chosen course aligns with pre-approved options or falls within the budget allocated for professional development, highlight these points. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are aligned with the company’s procedures.

Step 7: Address Potential Concerns

Be prepared for your boss to ask you questions or raise concerns they have.

What to Do: Anticipate potential concerns your boss might have, such as budget constraints, time away from work, or the relevance of the training. Have ready responses or alternatives, such as flexible scheduling or cost-effective options.

Step 8: Be Prepared for Any Response

Set realistic expectations. You must understand that the response you get could be positive, negative, or neutral.

What to Do: If your boss agrees, express gratitude and discuss the next steps. If the response is negative, seek feedback and ask what could be done differently in the future. If your boss is undecided, ask when you might revisit the conversation.

Asking for additional training is a proactive step in your career development. It shows your eagerness to grow and contribute more effectively to your team. Remember, it's normal to feel nervous, but by following these steps, you're equipping yourself with a clear and persuasive approach.

So, take a deep breath, prepare your points, and step into that meeting with confidence. Good luck!

Heritage Elizabeth A.