Continuing Professional Development (which is often shortened to CPD) is the ongoing process of improving your knowledge, skills and abilities throughout your career through various learning activities.
CPD combines different methods of learning such as training workshops, conferences, events, e-learning programs and best practice techniques, all focused on aiding an individual to effectively improve their professional development.
It also ensures that both academic and practical qualifications do not become out of date, allowing individuals to ‘up skill’ or ‘re-skill’ themselves, regardless of their occupation, age or level of education.
Online CPD is becoming one of the most popular alternatives to traditional learning methods. There are many benefits to online CPD courses that will help your business this year.
- There can be no disruption on important business tasks and strict deadlines
Working professionals with limited available time have found many benefits to the flexibility provided by online CPD, allowing an individual to plan their learning around their work priorities.
This ensures individuals can complete daily tasks needed to support the running of business without the excuse of having to use their time towards the CPD course.
Course material is always accessible online through a log-in portal, so there is less need to schedule a time frame to learning (e.g. 9-5 everyday) which is also beneficial for those with family commitments.
Also due to the fact these courses can be started immediately there is no time wasted waiting for the future course start date or waiting for acceptance onto the course as you may find with other types of learning.
Compared to other learning methods and those that are deemed the more ‘traditional’ types of learning (e.g., college/university courses), CPD courses can be a more affordable option which is an advantage for those who want to learn but have a tight budget.
- It can provide a more comfortable learning environment for many delegates
Some individuals would be anxious or nervous about learning a new course in a new environment.
Due to the way CPD courses are ran, more people may be encouraged to sign up and use the facilities and not fear the feeling of the unknown as the individual can learn in their own space, either on their own or around whoever they feel comfortable.
There are no physical classrooms and learning materials can be electronically sent to professionals.
- Providing online CPD can benefit organisations by allowing them to reach a more national or international market of professionals
Through effective online marketing, email communications and advertising, more professionals can understand the organisation’s brand and the individual’s expertise quickly and easily no matter the geographical location.
- CPD allows both the delegate and the provider to see results of tests, grades and certificates of learning instantly
As CPD courses are conducted online, so you can start immediately and get your certificate as soon as the next day.
There is also the opportunity to receive feedback loops built into the training which improves the user experience by providing them with a full evaluation of the course and their results.
Overall, as an employer, if you are considering investing in training and enhancing your employees’ skills, Continuing Professional Development is a great way to do this and will hugely benefit and help your business in 2021.
If your business needs help dealing with nepotism or any other HR issue, contact Wurkplace! We create bespoke HR solutions for businesses all around the UK. Contact us by calling 0330 400 5490 or Click here and fill in our contact form.
A valued member of the Wurkplace team providing administrative and coordinating skills for the HR department and also overseeing the accounts department of the business whilst carrying out key bookkeeping tasks and conducting payroll.
Georgia holds a level 3 in Business Administration and AAT level 2 whilst continuing to work towards gaining a diploma in AAT.