Training courses: a rare development opportunity?

It's #TechnicalTuesday so #TeamWRc Water Quality Scientist Donna Murray is discussing training courses, which are becoming an increasingly rare opportunity to develop your skills and further your career...

It’s that time of year (no, not THAT time) to reflect on my personal learning and development over the year for my CIWEM (The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management) Chartership for a New Year’s Eve deadline! Of course, it should be easy as I fill out the CPD (Continuing Professional Development) record throughout the year: whenever I learn new skills from colleagues, or challenging projects, attending webinars or conferences…which brings me on to training courses.

Training courses suit my preferred methods of learning by reading and listening. Courses offer engagement with others to learn and practical hands-on experiential learning. These styles and formats help on the way as we move from work shadowing, doing work under supervision on to independent working and then training and mentoring others.

Training courses are the safe places to explore new concepts, practice skills and ask questions in non-emergency and non-operational situations.

On one hand, I have not been on many courses this year – Corporate Policy, Annual Health & Safety, and Statistics (R software) – all online. I have also got one course booked for next year on Evidence Reviews and it is in person to get the benefit of focussing on the topic. Courses are pretty rare events – in-person courses even rarer now – they give the chance to shut the inbox, step into one subject, discuss, network and learn from others’ experiences. By being in-person, they embed the information deeper into our memories and build our confidence. An important but often overlooked learning outcome is self-confidence in what is NOT known, and therefore when to ask for advice. It’s for those critical operational times when going to experienced colleagues for advice could prevent costly decisions or damage to infrastructure or the environment.

We can all set learning goals and find the support needed to get there. For me, there is huge benefit to improving my technical skills as the UK Water Industry needs skilled people to manage water resources and pollution while planning ahead with changing climate.

Donna provides training on Urban Pollution Management, water quality and water resources - get in touch to learn more.