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What are the Different Types of Career Development Training?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated Jan 27, 2024
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There are many types of career development training that potential job seekers and students can take advantages of. The most common of these are traditional college degree courses. Many others are gaining popularity, however, and should not be ruled out as viable options. Career certifications, on the job training schools, and correspondence courses can all provide quality career development training.

College degree courses generally require passing high school test scores, and the filling out of numerous forms and documents. High school transcripts or diplomas are often required to be submitted before attendance is granted, and students must be accepted into degree programs. Some two-year colleges are able to allow more students to attend, but they still require a high school education or an equivalent document before a student can enter.

Each college has its own rules and regulations governing the admittance process. Therefore, students are encouraged to apply early for acceptance and all financial aid options that may be available. This ensures that proper paperwork has time to be accepted before classes begin each semester.

Many students opt for career certification courses for career development training instead of full degree programs. These are often offered at colleges and technical schools, but may be offered through mail correspondence courses as well. This type of training allows students to spend less time in school by training them to do a specialized task. Medical coding is one such career field that requires only a certificate to enter.

Students should be choosy when picking a correspondence course for their career development training. Accreditation should be checked thoroughly, and it is a good idea for any prospective students to speak with former attendees to ensure that the school upholds its promises. It is also important for students to follow their instincts when in comes to choosing schools.

Another type of career development training is offered by potential employers. For instance, some trucking companies also have training schools that teach truck driving to potential new-hires. Once training is complete, the company generally has first pick on hiring graduates. Other companies may hire inexperienced workers and train them on site with the requirement that the person work for the company for a set period of time.

Before choosing career development training, it is important for students to consider their individual goals and preferences in a school or course. Some career fields may require specific training with no additional options. For example, doctors must attend a four-year university followed by medical school in order to receive their license. There are generally no additional options available for that career field, so the college route is the primary choice.

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Discussion Comments

By Ana1234 — On Dec 05, 2014

@MrsPramm - Manager's training is the big one though. That's what I'd pick if I had to pick a course for career development, particularly if I was aiming for retail or any kind of desk job.

Even if you still have to start at the bottom, having done a manager's course means that your company will know you're in it for the long term and they are more likely to want to develop your skills.

By MrsPramm — On Dec 04, 2014

@irontoenail - If you're going into retail or anything that has dealings with the public, then security training can help boost your resume as well. A basic course isn't difficult, they just teach you how to react when you are being robbed and a few other tips. But it's the kind of training in retail that a company will have to give you, so they will be happy to find someone that already has it.

Training employees, particularly in jobs where turnover is high, is a big use of time and money and practical managers are going to want to hire people who are already trained.

If you can, try to get these courses through government initiatives for school-leavers or the unemployed, and if the course is long enough you might be able to get a reference as well.

By irontoenail — On Dec 03, 2014

One kind of career development training I would recommend to anyone who is about to enter the workforce is a first aid certificate. For one thing, it's just a really good skill to have and I think everyone should do it anyway.

But it can end up being essential to jobs you might not expect. Often a workplace needs to have someone present who has a certificate in order to fulfill regulations for insurance or work safety and if you've already got one then they will be more likely to choose you, all other things being equal. It also shows that you've got initiative, which is always a good thing.

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