Would you like to progress in your professional career or develop your professional skills? The good news is that, as an employee, you have the right to ongoing training. However, asking your employer for training can raise a few questions: what should you write in your letter of request? How do you convince your employer to finance the program? And what rules need to be respected? We explain everything from A to Z!

How to assess your continuing education needs

Ideal for boosting your training in a new profession or perfecting your expertise, continuing training is a fundamental right in the professional world.

Before you think about asking your employer to finance your training program, there are a number of things you need to consider:

Once these elements have been defined (and this can take several months, so there's no need to rush), it's time to submit your request to your employer. The next step? Knowing how to present your continuing training project, both in terms of content and form 😊

How do you present your continuing education program request to your employer?

In what form should you submit your request for a continuing education program?

There are two main elements to consider: timing and communication method.

As far as timing is concerned, there are indeed times when it's easier than others to negotiate the payment of your training costs. For example, avoid submitting your project during "high season", when the company is swamped with projects and the team is under pressure!

You can therefore :

  • Wait until the "low season" to submit your training project. Make sure your employer is available, to put all the chances on your side 😊
  • Talk about it at an end-of-year interview or monthly review. It's an opportunity to take stock and share your needs.

In any case, consult your employer between 2 and 4 months in advance (depending on the length of the training course), so that he can study your request, and get organized.

The best way to communicate with your employer is to anticipate your request for training, and raise the subject orally at a monthly or annual meeting. This will enable you to take the temperature, identify potential (initial) objections from the employer and prepare your sales pitch. You can send him an e-mail before the meeting to let him know that you'll be broaching the subject.

If you wish to carry out training on your own time, it is advisable to draw up a written request and send it to your employer.

Precisely what do we mention in this training request letter?

How do you convince your employer?

The prerequisite: present your training request clearly and precisely, without any innuendo. And of course, emphasize the benefits for the company, and for you as an employee.

Your job? Prove the relevance of the project to your employer, and emphasize the "win-win" logic!

To do this, you need to know everything about the training program you're about to embark on. Budget, method of financing, duration, reputation of the training organization, certification awarded... you need to know everything so you can answer all your employer's questions.

Here are the points you need to emphasize:

  • The budget and financing plan: present the details to maximize your chances (e.g. a payment schedule).
  • How the training fits in with your position and/or a new need in the company.
  • The organization you propose for your absence (the more you anticipate, the better!).
  • Your motivations for this project: why are you choosing this training course?
  • The program objectives and benefits for your employer: in short, what's in it for him?

GOOD TO KNOW
To support your argumentation when requesting training, provide all the data you have: testimonials from former participants, quantified results, training content, type of certification, or even the quality label if the organization has one.

How can I get a program financed?

The financing of continuing training is often the thorniest issue in negotiations. To obtain financial support from your employer, the key is to prepare a solid sales pitch!

There are a number of advantages you can highlight:

  • Enhancing your skills and qualifications (and therefore benefiting the company).
  • Enhancing the company's image when it grants training funding.
  • Your loyalty and long-term commitment.

In short, you need to identify and align your objectives with those of the company (visibility, growth, brand image, customer satisfaction, etc.). Emphasize the benefits for the organization, and help your employer project itself into the future! To find out more, read our guide to obtaining financing for a continuing education program.

GOOD TO KNOW
Beware: obtaining financing for your information imposes obligations on the employee side. Check the terms and conditions: in some cases, you will have to reimburse the training costs incurred by your employer if you leave the organization before the deadline negotiated in advance.

How to manage your time for a continuing education program?

While the question of financing is central, so is that of organization and scheduling. So it's important to raise the subject with your employer as soon as possible.

Some training courses can take place during working hours. You'll need to come up with the right arguments, and reassure the company that you won't be there. What can you offer? What ideas can you put forward? Don't hesitate to give examples of colleagues who have already taken training courses.

GOOD TO KNOW
Does your employer refuse to give you time off for training? Is he or she unwilling to finance the project? Make your calculations: sometimes it's better to take days off. The cost of the training will be tax-deductible.

What should I do if my employer refuses?

Your employer is free to decide whether or not to accept your request for further training. If this happens, here are a few tips to follow:

  • Analyze the reasons for the refusal: was the training really relevant? Was it a problem of availability, duration or organization? Or was it a cost or payment issue? Find the source of the problem, so you can argue your case more effectively.
  • Suggest alternatives for continuing your training: there are probably cheaper or more coherent courses available.
  • Set a new date to discuss it (within several weeks or months, depending on the cause of the refusal).

In short, stay positive and persevere. If you completely cut off communication, it will be difficult to reapply. Don't give up after the first "no" ;)

As you can see, asking your employer for training requires excellent preparation. A well-crafted sales pitch, posture, communication style... nothing should be left to chance to maximize your chances of getting a yes!