When coming back to work after the New Year, you may feel your skills are in need of some updating or that you could do with some fresh knowledge to enhance your working life.

In an ever-changing world, it’s essential to keep your skills up to date by undertaking CPD – Continuing Professional Development.

Some professions such as nursing, law or counselling require a certain amount of CPD in order to stay accredited to the professional body that oversees their role. For others, having more talents under your belt can be useful simply so that you can do the best job possible!

Opportunities to gain more competencies

Workplaces should offer their employees opportunities to gain more competencies – to do their job more effectively or to further their career.

If you feel you lack knowledge in a particular area, or are in need of some personal development to aid your professional life, ask your manager if there are any courses available.

These may be practical skills such as first aid training or manual handling, or theoretical knowledge, for instance safeguarding or people management.

Some organisations have in-house training – courses run by fellow employees. For instance, if you work for a large employer in the public sector, they may have an IT department that runs courses on specific computer software.

Your company may even have partner agencies such as a mental wellbeing organisation who can run courses in ‘life skills’ such as resilience, assertiveness or how to deal with stress.

Alternatively, you could take it upon yourself to further your knowledge. Your public library may have courses in computer basics, or a local college may run a ‘night school’, which you can attend in the evening. There are many subjects available out there, including languages, arts, cookery and hairdressing to name a few.

Online learning or a classroom environment

Courses may take the form of online learning, or be face-to-face in a ‘classroom’ type environment. Both have their benefits and disadvantages.

For example, in a classroom you can share knowledge and stories with others, but travel to and from the location takes up more time. With online courses, you can do them in your own time, usually from the comfort of your own home, but there is no one to offer immediate help if needed.

Whatever method of learning you opt for, ensure the knowledge will further your overall learning, and make time to reflect upon what you’ve learnt and then apply it to your job role.

Keep learning! It’s good for your brain, as well as looking good on your CV!