With job security worries looming, developing technical skills that will expand the kinds of projects you are qualified to work on can make you a more valuable employee. Actively seeking out and pursuing what training resources are offered through your company can help to ensure your value as an employee and also prepare you in a worst-case scenario. Jenkins adds,“That way, if either your company decides to make cuts, less qualified staff may be first to go, or you are prepared to face the job market with more technical knowledge and tools under your belt.”
He recommends employees notify their departmental managers of what training they need to further increase their job performance and productivity. And by deepening your existing knowledge and expanding your skill set you can potentially increase your salary. Jobs requiring high-technical skill earn higher pay. Another reason continual technical training is a must is that it helps to ensure you advance with changing technology. When you neglect to keep abreast of the latest technologies, you risk losing your competitive edge in the market. As the business world becomes more competitive, successful companies will seek employees with the most up-to-date skills and knowledge.
Job productivity can also be improved with technical training. A 2001 study by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research found that where training is coupled with a drive for innovation, high product quality, and/or technological innovation, training has contributed to their achievement. Furthermore, the study found that where employees have a strong grounding in math, science and/or technology, training has delivered extra productivity benefits.
Attending training also can put you in touch with peers in your industry affording you the opportunity to network. Networking can help you in a future job search, discover new industry trends, and overall get new ideas, insights and wisdom from a broader audience than your limited office environment. Applied Technology Institute (ATI) The Applied Technology Institute (ATI) specializes in short course technical training in space, communications, defense, sonar, radar, and signal processing. Since 1984 ATI has provided leading-edge public courses and on-site technical training to defense and NASA facilities, as well as DOD and aerospace contractors. Their courses provide a clear understanding of the fundamental principles and a working knowledge of current technology and applications. World-class design experts lead courses. To register, call (888) 501-2100, or visit them on the web at www.ATIcourses.com