My Manager Thinks I Know it all (Part II)

Part I

While there are unscrupulous managers out there who take advantage of the fact that their coworkers are footing the entire bill for continuing education, there are honorable managers whose coworkers are footing the entire bill for continuing education.  The manager’s challenge is, “where else can I send Bob, he’s been through all of the schooling…”

To begin with and at a minimum, technicians like Bob need to attend educational seminars on new product or equipment that their company sells.  The same holds true for new diagnostic or maintenance techniques.  Besides the fact that it is in the company’s best interest to have technicians who are familiar with new product, technicians like Bob thrive on new, cutting edge technology.  Think of it as a dose of oxygen after running ten, one-hundred yard sprints.  It keeps them going.

Okay, back to the original question. 

How can I convince my manager that he should send me for additional education?

You need to know why your manager refuses to pay for classes.  So ask him.  If he needs help choosing where to send you, offer suggestions.  If he continues to dance around the question or starts to use the term not in the budget, it’s time to move on and find another manager.  Period.

Try this: Lets say you enjoy hunting, fishing or photography.  Ask your manager to send you to a class on one of these topics.  A savvy manager will understand that he is helping the whole you, not just the part of you who comes to work.  Chances are if he sends you to an off-industry class, you’ll really appreciate it and bring an invigorated energy to work.  The upside of a happy, engaged you at work far outweighs the cost of a class.

We suggest for management to send technicians to a minimum of one off-industry class per year.