Librarians / Information Services Staff look no further ...

Training and courses for Library Information Services Staff now listed on Findcourses.co.uk
Keeping the UK's Librarians and Information Services Staff up-to-date with the latest training is in high demand, and the team at Findcourses.co.uk have been hard at work helping to make sure that Information Management training courses are listed, and available for viewing.

With everything from Content Management, Data Management, Records Management, Copyright, Marketing, Internet Skills, Financial Budgeting, Project Management, Researching Skills, to Copyright and Classifying included we hope the librarians and information services staff will be able to find what they need to keep the good work up.

For more information and all other categories of Professional Development see Findcourses.co.uk. If there's a type of course not there and you'd like to find out more, just let us know, or leave a message here.

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Findcourses.co.uk

Adobe Courses proven to increase productivity

New Site makes it easier to find Adobe Courses

Adobe, the publishing and editing software for publications and graphics, developed by Adobe Systems in the US, is used by 82% of the UK's business community on a day-to-day basis. Not only did Adobe software and services revolutionise how the way world engages with ideas and information, in a way that Adobe likes to call anytime, anywhere, and through any medium.

Taking a course in adobe will help you become more focused on the adobe program that suits you. Adobe offers a variety of programs and there are a number of training courses in all the Adobe programs, for you to develop your ability to work in programs such as Adobe Photoshop. In response to the great demand of Adobe courses, a new site is now operating to aid people in their search - and to make it easier to find the right course for them - see AdobeCourses.net now.

If you're thinking about taking an Adobe course, consider also other IT-User courses that may make your daily computer usage that bit easier, for training-is-gaining and when it comes to IT you can never have enough skills training.

Price is the most important factor when choosing training

In a study conducted by the search service Findcourses.co.uk in October 2009, results show that price and location are the current deciding factors when considering which training to invest in.
Though the cost of training has always been an important factor, it’s no surprise that the subsequent onset of the global financial crisis has impacted on Learning and Development. In such circumstances one of the first budgets to be cut is the training budget, with businesses needing to focus upon survival. Two-fifths of the 464 respondents in the Findcourses.co.uk survey stated that the price of a training course was most important to them when considering professional development training. This was followed by location, with more than a third of all respondents choosing the place where the training takes place over provider reputation, or certification.

Cost of training may be an issue in the UK for many companies, but people are realising that one way of surviving the recession is to develop existing skills and acquire new ones. Throughout 2009 unemployment has been rising, resulting in employers becoming very selective when taking on new employees or promoting existing staff. The more relevant qualifications and professional development a person has, the greater their chances. Additionally training can be used during appraisal discussions, as an incentive, or motivating factor as both employers and employees recognise that training results in retaining staff and increasing the value of individuals simultaneously.

One of the main benefits for individuals looking to train during the downturn is that courses need not cost the earth. A large number of training providers in the UK are responding to the recession and the increased need for skills development by offering discounts or special offers, such as buy two courses and get the third free, or allowing multiple delegates to attend training for a set price. Another way of reducing company costs of training is to invest in on-site or in-house training or the increasingly popular e-learning training courses which eradicate travelling expenses.

The longstanding belief in quality rather than quantity that the UK prides itself upon still has prominence in the world of Learning and Development as more than 20% of professionals see the ROI from top quality training courses from renowned providers. Findcourses.co.uk has continually witnessed HR Managers and L&D specialists seeking the training courses which have the best accreditations and customer testimonials.

For more information please see www.findcourses.co.uk

Choose the training that's right for you!

Training courses - make the right investment

When investing in training, there's a common worry - will this be the right kind of training, in the right delivery mode, with the desired ROI for your organisation. For this reason, amongst others, it's important to first asses what your training objectives are, and then try to match a training provider to your requirements, and second to compare training providers, and their courses, as well as teaching styles. Another vital point is to try whenever possible to read previous course attendees testimonials, and gain an understanding of how the course benefited them.

The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce are one training body that pride themselves on providing exactly that - training that's right for you.

Working with the belief that training is vital for the future success of your business, Chamber Business Training has built their Business Training Directory around your business needs. Chamber Business Training are committed to providing you with quality training, in a friendly manner, that is relevant,efficient and cost effective for your business. Business training with Chamber Business Training is beneficial as the training centres are centrally located and have first class facilities. Courses are delivered at either Nottingham, Derby or Chesterfield, or at a location central to all three sites, so that no overnight accommodation is required.

Chamber Business Training works with an extensive network of training professionals, and provides four key development programmes all of which can be tailored to your organisational needs. Whatever the size of your business or the level of staff training you require, Chamber Business Training can help, and ensures that you will receive a first class service every time.

The Chamber's Business Training courses are varied, meeting all your training requirements, and particularly Business and Management training courses, Financial Training Courses, Marketing Training Courses, Sales Training Courses, and Personal Development courses.

The DNCC have a number of special offer's on their training courses - so keep an eye on their courses so you don't miss out.

Find out more about the DNCC and to see their Business Training Courses please click here

For detailed information about the courses and training provided by the DNCC please 'request information' and click here

Not got time for training? Professional Development at your desk!

E-Learning / Online Learning – Training at a time and place that suits you

E-learning, also known as electronic learning, or online learning refers to training courses that are web-based, or on a distance basis. In a nutshell – E-learning makes use of information and communications technology to provide innovative ways to learn. The real bonus is E-learning training courses give you the freedom and flexibility to learn when and where you want, and at your own pace. These days, as people are ever more busy, E-learning courses are offered at a variety of training institution, and include a wide range of subjects at any level, which is ideal if the subject you’re interested in isn’t available nearby. Additionally, e-learning courses are generally designed to guide you through information or to help you perform specific tasks – all from the comfort of your desk / sofa etc. There are various sorts of ways in which the information is transferred in e-learning courses, from information-based e-learning where content communicates information to the student, to performance-based content, where the lessons build off of a procedural skill in which the student is expected to increase proficiency.

Sounds good … and add to this Distance Learning Courses – Distance courses, similarly and complimentary are ideally suited to the needs of working adults, as students do not need to travel to attend any classes. As with online / e-learning courses students are able to study for specific courses or university degree entirely online, from home, work, on the move or wherever else is convenient, and at times to suit themselves. Distance courses also include periodic face-to-face interaction, and delegates are given the opportunity to attend classes when they need them or meet with their tutors during their online study period to assist with their learning.

» Learn more about Distance learning courses

No excuses to not get some Professional Development training now – and what’s more it’s affordable – costs are famously reasonable!

Read more about the kinds of Online / Distance / E-Learning training - and see if this alternative form of training suits you ….

At your place or theirs? Where is it best?

Professional development - where's best?

'In House / On Site' vs 'Public / Open' training courses

We discussed the pro's of Public or scheduled training courses in the last blog edition, but now we compare them with their counterpart - the rather more closed type of courses - also know as In House - as in On your Site courses.

Also known as Customised training courses, In House, or On Site, these training courses are those developed specifically for your organisation, and delivered at your workplace. Research shows that effective In House training, saves time and money and will improve the productivity of your employees, making your business more competitive.

They, customised training courses, are just that - customised - cut, trimmed, and restitched to suit your needs. The training providers themselves consult with you to design, build and deliver a tailored training plan which ensures you get the training your business needs at a time and place that suits you.

In House training sounds great - it provides tailored training solutions delivered at a location of your choice. For whatever kind of training you require there are most likely training providers that can develop a course to fit your needs and you can have best practice experience delivered to your door. In House training courses cover a wide range of disciplines, and are an effective way of improving the productivity of your employees, making your business more competitive.

» In House training courses run nationwide

» In House training courses for Business and Management

Public/Scheduled Courses - Effective Learning Opportunities

Open Courses / Scheduled Courses / Public Courses

Open courses, also known as scheduled courses or public courses, are those that are run at particular places on specified dates. Many training institutions offer a range of professional development open courses either in their area of expertise, or across a broad spectrum. A wide range of scheduled training courses are aimed at businesses of all sizes and sectors. These courses can help your staff achieve their full potential and improve performance.

Public courses are often the most effective way of acquiring certification, or qualification across all industries. Open courses vary in length depending on the course provider, or nature of the topic, and range from a few hours, to up to several years, with the most common being a day or so.

Benefits of getting out of the office for a one-off course

As a learning option - Scheduled / Open / Public courses - are a proven to be very effective. The simple act of sending yourself or one of your employees on such a course, has the effect of mentally preparing you for a day/session of learning, when all your attention will be focused on the material presented. Not only does it get you out of the office, a novelty itself for many employees, but you will be clad with a notepad, pen, dicta-phone, and your listening ears. No doubt you'll have to prove some ROI to your boss after the course, so you will listen, take notes, and be thinking of ways to implement the key points you learn.

Ultimately, you have one chance, and one chance only to learn, in open courses, so research shows that people pay attention, absorb and use the knowledge they gain. Not only that, but out of the familiar workplace, you will mix with other delegates, possibly from other industries, and so you will probably have to think out of the box and you will have the opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas with other participants. This is particularly valuable if you are the only person from your own organisation and need further inspiration in your work. Open / Scheduled courses are usually run in full equipped training centres, and so you may well be treated to technological equipment that you wouldn't usually have access to in your daily work life.

Click here to learn more about Open / Public courses, and how they can help you or your organisation in professional development, and see what looks enticing to you...

Do you want to be better at what you do?

Invest in Training and Development: The Phoenix Way

Built on the belief that training in learning and development in business should be interactive, enjoyable and relevant at all times, at Phoenix they have developed their training and development so that as an experience it's practical, memorable and, most importantly, useful.

In all areas of training at Phoenix, specialist training consultants are drawn from a variety of backgrounds, and all course objectives are designed to give you an idea of the range of content we can include, while guaranteeing that everything we deliver will be completely tailored and relevant to your needs.

Phoenix Training and Development strive to improve clients' business performance, and ultimately make people better at what they do through their training in the following key areas:

• Sales Training
• Management Training
• Leadership Training
• Team Development

For information about how you can improve your skills and become better at what you do - click here now.

HR Managers – Tell us what professional development means to you in this short survey

HR Managers - what does professional development mean to you?

Professional development has never been so important to organisations as it is now, and it’s becoming an ever more significant factor in the hiring process. At Findcourses.co.uk we are conducting some vital research in the world of learning and development. We aim to find out from the horses mouth - HR Managers, Personnel Managers and Learning and Development Managers - or anyone in a position of responsibility for training and development – what the current trends really are with regards to professional development.
How does Professional Development shape your organisation? Share your thoughts on Professional Development in 2 minutes

Are you a HR manager, Learning and Development officer / manager, Training and development officer / specialist / manager, or anyone in a postion of responsibility for the training and development? Please help shape the future of Learning and Development and help make it easier for people like you in the future to find training.

> click here to begin the short survey with only 10 questions, and in return for your time we will reward you with a FREE copy of the results, simply provide your email at the end

We are interested in your experiences and opinions on skills development in the current economic climate, so we can develop an analysis of the latest trends throughout the UK, and help HR Managers find the right training for their employees.

MBA - are you made for it? And if so, which is right for you?

Taking an MBA is an important decision that cost's both money and time, but if you choose the right business school it can propel your career to new levels.


Here's a 10 tip count down to help you choose the right MBA for you:

10 Research post-MBA career opportunities

Make sure you know why you want to take an MBA and have a clear idea of what you may want to do when you graduate. It is often the case, as in college, that your career goals change. Thus, being as you are about to make a big investment of your time and money, be sure to give your decision the proper amount of thought and research.

9 Identify business schools of interest

Develop a criteria to assess business schools - such as location, recruitment, school reputation, tuition, faculty, student body, etc. In this first step you want to start with the largest number of schools and then apply your criteria to each to narrow down your choices. Although the schools you are currently considering will end up in the narrowed down list, you may be surprised to uncover some other schools as well. Keep in mind that you don't want to undersell yourself and automatically exclude the top schools. If you're close to borderline for admission, there are things you can do to increase your chances. (Read on.) Establish criteria such as courses offered, companies that recruit at the school, opportunities for internships, study abroad, etc.

8 Prepare for the GMAT and TOEFL if applicable.

Don't take this test unprepared. Also, this may sound strange, but I do NOT recommend a GMAT review course. I took one and disliked it. The course moved at the pace of the group's slowest student and I had to drive to a classroom when I could have spent the commuting time studying instead. I recommend buying a good book or two and studying at your own pace and at your own optimal hours.

7 Know why you are going to business school.

Be prepared to explain why you are leaving your job or why you want to pursue an MBA right out of undergrad. You can be sure you will be asked this question at least once in an essay or during the admissions interview. If you are employed and your employer does not know you are considering an MBA, make arrangements to get a reference from a trusted colleague.

6 Make sure your application and essays are immaculate.

It is often the case that the admissions staff reading your application and essays will never meet you in person. Do not squander this "first impression" by allowing any mistakes (applicable only to applications submitted via snail mail), misaligned page margins, or inconsistent fonts. These types of things can make the difference between being admitted and being rejected, so it is recommendable to take this to heart.

5 Have someone proof your admissions essays.

The importance of having a third party review your application essays can not be stressed enough. Make sure the proofreader has good grammar and is committed to spending quality time with your essays. Do NOT try to proof your own essays all by yourself. You may catch a lot of your own errors, but chances are some silly ones will get by you. Why? Because when you wrote the particularly awkward sentence, you know what you meant to say. Unfortunately for you, the admissions staff are not likely to be as impressed by an unclear and awkward sentence.

4 Don't be afraid to use an admissions consultant.

You're about to make a major changing life decision and tens of thousands of tuition dollars and years of your life are at stake, not to mention future career paths. You can find a good consultant who will cost you less than you'll spend on application fees and taking the GMAT test. A good consultant should help you identify your best personal strategy to gain admission and steer you towards the business schools for which you're best suited. They are also perfect for proofing essays (see #5 above) and they can really help ease your stress during this taxing time period.

3 Take the optional interviews and prepare for them.

Don't be lazy and opt out of these interviews. View them as additional opportunities to present yourself in a good light, and hence, increase your chances of being accepted. But don't forget that these interviews are also opportunities for you to learn more about the prospective schools. Although the top schools will allow you to interview at remote locations with a volunteer alumnus, I advise interviewing on campus since the alumni are not usually as current with the MBA programs.

2 Visit the campuses of any business schools you think you would like to attend.

To continue with the last point, the interview often presents a great opportunity for you to visit the campus and speak to the admissions staff and current students. You should call the school in advance and tell them when you are planning to visit. Most schools will gladly arrange for you to sit in on a class and receive a guided tour of the campus. Finally, do not be afraid to approach students and solicit their views of the school. Most of the time, students are glad to talk to prospective applicants (remember, most of them were in your position just a short while ago) and MBA students in particular are often quite willing to offer blunt opinions about what they like and don't like about their programs.

1 Be absolutely certain with your decision to get your MBA and your business school of choice.

Most MBA students are happy with the decisions they have made with regards to choice of business school. Nevertheless, there is a significant minority of talented, well-adjusted people who end up unhappy. The reasons are as varied as the people themselves and include separation from family and friends, undue pressure to attend business school from relatives and co-workers, and career choices that do not require the MBA degree. For this minority, a lot of time and money is wasted as a result of their bad decisions.

Good luck finding your MBA!

Visit www.searchmba.com to find out more about MBA programs today.

For other courses, visit www.findcourses.co.uk