Convincing your employer to fund a Fortbildung: An effective strategy

To convince an employer to fund a training course (Fortbildung), it is essential to present the topic strategically, showing the practical benefits that will return to the company directly, not only to the employee. Here is an effective 6-step strategy:

1. Link the training to the company’s goals
Start by explaining how the course will contribute to the goals of the company or the team, such as:

• Improving work quality or productivity

• Keeping up with legal requirements (such as GDPR or ISO)

• Covering a clear skills gap in the team

Example:
“Through this course, I will be able to automate a large part of our manual processes, which will save the team around 20% of its time.”

2. Show the return on investment (ROI)
Demonstrate with numbers how the training will benefit the company financially, such as:

• Reducing errors or operational costs

• Reducing reliance on external companies (Outsourcing)

• Speeding up delivery times or improving customer satisfaction

3. Make it clear you will transfer knowledge to the team
Suggest sharing the knowledge after the training, such as:

• Organizing a small internal workshop for your colleagues

• Preparing a short guide that the team can benefit from
  This shows your commitment to the team and increases the value of the investment for the employer.

4. Choose a recognized training
Choose a course accredited by a trusted body (such as IHK or TÜV or well-known technology companies). This adds credibility and encourages management to invest in it.

5. Suggest flexible training times
If the training will affect working time, suggest attending outside working hours or through self-learning, which shows commitment.

6. Prepare a short, ready-to-use proposal
Provide a written proposal that includes:

• Course name and provider

• Cost and duration

• What you will learn

• Practical benefits for the company
  The shorter and more professional the proposal, the higher the chances of approval.

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