Upskilling, CPD & Training

• CPD is a term which refers to the activities and approaches that individuals take towards developing, learning and growth during their career. It helps you to track the skills, knowledge and experience that you develop over time.
• Recording CPD is often required by professional organisations, such as IEMA, as it demonstrates your commitment to the profession and your future career growth.
• Numerous activities count towards CPD, such as attending webinars, reading reports or articles, mentoring, networking, or taking courses. Organisations will often support your development, and allow you to take time out for CPD.

As well as finding the time to set aside for upskilling, cost can often be a barrier to training. Training is an investment in your future; consider the long-term impact that the training you do will have – will it help you to gain a new job, or gain a promotion with a higher salary? Can you access any specific pots of funding for what you’re looking to do? Are there any free courses to give you an insight into the training and help you decide if it is worth investing in?

The grants and bursaries available to you will depend on where you live and the learning programme you’re interested in. Refer to relevant information for your location and study plans – some links of interest include:

• England – Grants and bursaries for adult learners / Adult Education Budget
• Northern Ireland – Skill up
• Scotland – My world of work
• Working Wales – Funding for training

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses available in England, for those aged 19 or over, and who meet the eligibility requirements. The courses take up to 16 weeks, and offer a guaranteed job interview for those who complete the training.

“Of the employers who said they are hiring staff for sustainability roles, 81% said they would consider hiring someone who doesn’t possess all the right skills into an environmental or sustainability role with the intention of upskilling them.” – Hays.

It is worth speaking to your employer if there’s a training opportunity that you think would benefit your current role, or your organisation more widely. Employers may be able to support you through your learning. In fact, around 90% of IEMA training candidates are paid for by their organisations.