What are the most effective strategies for employees to take ownership of technical training?

1 Identify your goals and gaps

Before you dive into any technical training program or course, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. What are your short-term and long-term career goals? What are the skills and knowledge that you need to reach them? What are the areas that you need to improve or learn more about? How will your technical training benefit you, your team, and your organization? By answering these questions, you can identify your goals and gaps, and prioritize the most relevant and valuable technical training for you.

2 Choose the right resources and platforms

Once you have defined your goals and gaps, you need to find the best resources and platforms that suit your needs, preferences, and budget. There are many options available for technical training, such as online courses, webinars, podcasts, books, blogs, newsletters, forums, communities, mentors, coaches, and more. You need to research and compare the quality, credibility, accessibility, affordability, and feedback of these resources and platforms, and select the ones that match your learning style, pace, and schedule. You also need to check if they offer certificates, badges, or credits that you can use to showcase your achievements and credentials.

4 Apply and share your learning

One of the best ways to reinforce and enhance your technical training is to apply and share your learning with others. You need to look for opportunities to use your new skills and knowledge in your work projects, tasks, or challenges, and get feedback from your peers, managers, or clients. You also need to share your learning with your colleagues, network, or online community, and exchange ideas, insights, or tips. You can use platforms like blogs, podcasts, social media, or webinars to showcase your technical expertise, build your reputation, and expand your connections.

5 Seek feedback and support

Taking ownership of your technical training does not mean that you have to do it alone. You need to seek feedback and support from others who can help you improve your performance, overcome your difficulties, or motivate you to keep going. You can ask for feedback from your instructors, mentors, coaches, or peers, and use it to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your plan or actions accordingly. You can also seek support from your employer, team, or network, and request for resources, guidance, or recognition that can facilitate your technical training.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?