External Training Procedure

When to use

Use this procedure when an employee submits a request for external training, qualifications, certifications, workshops, or development courses that may require company support, funding, approval, or booking through People Development.

If an employee raises an External Training Request

Step 1

Acknowledge the request positively and thank the employee for reaching out about their development. Let them know it's great to see them taking ownership of their learning and growth.

Step 2

A Personal Development Plan (PDP) conversation must take place before any training options are explored. This ensures the request aligns with the employee's development goals, current role, future aspirations, and business priorities.

Use this macro:

Hi {{ticket.requester.first_name}},

Thanks for getting in touch about your external training request – it's great to see you taking ownership of your development 😊

Before we explore training options, the first step is to have a Personal Development Plan (PDP) conversation. This helps ensure any training aligns with your current role, supports your development, and contributes to your longer-term career goals.

Ahead of the conversation, it would be helpful if you could:

• Share a few dates and times you're available over the next couple of weeks.
• Let us know what you're hoping to develop or learn, and how this would support you in your current role.
• Share whether you have a specific career goal in mind.
• Please ensure your line manager is aware of your request and supports you in exploring training options.
• Include any courses or providers you've already come across (if applicable).

To help you prepare, please review:

• PDP Conversation Guide for Employees: PDP Guide Template.docx
• Grow Your Career page for inspiration, resources, and development ideas.

These resources will help you think about your goals, development priorities, and how this training could contribute to your growth.

We'll use the information you share to prepare for the conversation and make it as useful and focused as possible.

Looking forward to speaking with you soon!

Step 3

Wait for the employee to reply to the ticket with their availability and any requested information. Once they have responded, assign the ticket to the People Development team so they can arrange the PDP conversation and manage the request.

Step 4

Escalate the ticket to the People Development team for all further actions.