Use this guide when you have found a course or qualification that would help you in your job and you want your employer's support. Have the course details, costs, dates and any time you would need away from work ready.
Step by step
Link the training to business needs
Think about the problems your team faces, the skills gaps you have noticed or the organisation's stated goals. Write down how the training would help with at least one of them. Managers are more likely to agree when they can see a clear benefit to the team.
Research options and costs
Compare two or three courses that would meet the need, including cost, length, format and any exams. Note whether the course could be funded as an apprenticeship or through other schemes. Showing that you have compared options makes your proposal more credible.
Plan how you will cover your work
Work out how much time you would need away from your role for classes, study or exams. Suggest how your duties could be covered, such as studying at quieter times or adjusting deadlines. This answers your manager's first concern before they raise it.
Write a one-page proposal
Set out the course, the cost, the time needed, the benefits to the team and how you will share what you learn. Keep it short, factual and positive. Offer options, such as part-funding or starting with a shorter course.
Discuss it with your manager
Ask for a short meeting rather than raising it in passing. Go through the proposal, listen to concerns and be ready to adjust your plan. If they need to check with someone else, agree when you will hear back.
Agree the details in writing
If your employer agrees, confirm the funding, time off, any repayment clause and how progress will be reviewed in an email or formal agreement. Read any training agreement carefully before signing. Keep a copy for your records.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Business need identified
- Two or three course options compared
- Total cost worked out
- Time away from work estimated
- Cover plan suggested
- One-page proposal written
- Meeting booked with manager
- Agreement confirmed in writing
Practical tips
- Time your request around appraisals or budget planning, when training is often being discussed.
- Offer to run a short session for colleagues afterwards to spread the benefit.
- Check your employer's learning and development policy first so your proposal fits its process.
Common problems
My manager says there is no training budget.
Ask whether time off to study could be given instead, or whether the course could be funded as an apprenticeship. You could also propose starting with a free or lower-cost course and revisiting the request later.
The repayment clause seems unfair.
Ask HR to explain how the amount is calculated and whether it reduces over time. If you are still unsure, Acas or Citizens Advice can explain your position.
My request was turned down without a reason.
Ask politely for feedback and what would make a future request more likely to succeed. Keep a record of the discussion in case you want to raise it again later.