Professional Development/Training is being discouraged at many employers, why? (employee, secretary)

[HumanNature]

One of the first things that is being cut when budgets are cut in organizations is training and professional development. If staff is sent to a training session people assume that the money is wasted and they are goofing off. When government spends money on training it's staff it is considered a scandal.

This all in an era when more people are going to college than anytime in America's history. A college degree is required today to get a secretary job

But once the person is working, then most people I know stop participating in any type of professional development. Classes, Seminars, workshops and training at conventions are being phased out. Most people I know learn a few things on the job but have not been in a classroom since college.

Have you been attending seminars, workshops and conventions to keep up to date on your career? Why or why not?

[nifear]

I've been fortunate to have employers actually encourage additional training via seminars/courses/conferences/workshops/etc and not having to pay out of pocket. There is an additional certification that i would like to take, but I won't be reimbursed for since it's not a requirement of my position. I don't mind though, since it will help me in my current job and make me more marketable in the long run.

[Miss Crabcakes]

Originally Posted by HumanNature

Have you been attending seminars, workshops and conventions to keep up to date on your career? Why or why not?

No. I think the last workshop I was offered on the job was back in 2005.

Not since then.

[dnvrsoul]

Originally Posted by HumanNature

One of the first things that is being cut when budgets are cut in organizations is training and professional development. If staff is sent to a training session people assume that the money is wasted and they are goofing off. When government spends money on training it's staff it is considered a scandal.

This all in an era when more people are going to college than anytime in America's history. A college degree is required today to get a secretary job

But once the person is working, then most people I know stop participating in any type of professional development. Classes, Seminars, workshops and training at conventions are being phased out. Most people I know learn a few things on the job but have not been in a classroom since college.

Have you been attending seminars, workshops and conventions to keep up to date on your career? Why or why not?

Only when the government doesn't train their employees -and instead spends the money on dance lessons or makes Star Trek videos..

My other half takes training classes that are 100% paid for ...just depends on the company.

[maus]

Hopefully I am addressing your question: when things are tight, companies save money by cutting training. In this slow economy, in-house trainer jobs are largely gone.

Companies want employees who need minimal training due to cost. Some employers will pay for ongoing training depending on your position in the company, however, it occurs more in an employee market, and not so much for the past few years. I have tried to learn things on my own and not so much through my employer. I have to keep up with the trends myself. I think training is great jobs benefit if you can get it.