Are you paying too much for professional education?

Your skills are you stock in trade and you pour all of your knowledge and experience into every service you offer, so do you really need yet MORE training? Whether you have notched up qualifications with City & Guilds or filled your walls with private academy certificates, it’s important to keep being a professional learner. The pandemic has put a strain on revenue, so investing in CPD or putting in the hours to learn another skill can be tough. Guarantee that you are getting great ROI by making sure that you aren’t paying too much for too little before you book.

Mike Taylor of Mike Taylor Education (@miketayloreducation) and the Great British Barbering Academy (@gbbarberingacademy), knows the college and private education landscape inside out. He runs VTCT accredited barbering Academy and training courses. Mike says “You should look for four key qualities in any education provider. Make sure they are offering a certified and recognised course. That they can provide a clear plan of the education you will receive. That the educator themselves has the relevant qualifications and experience to deliver the course and that there are reviews available where you can see honest feedback.” Even once you have done your due diligence on your preferred provider it’s also worth consider what ‘good value’ looks like. “If the education provider has given you a detailed plan of what they’ll deliver and how they’ll deliver it, you are already on your way to understanding the value you will receive. Ensure that the education provider takes time to make sure you’re fully prepared for the course as the learner, ie you know what you need to bring and what experience you’ll need for the course. Confirm that the education provider offers a clear pricing structure for courses and that there are no hidden costs after you arrive,” explains Mike.

Once you’ve added or strengthened that skill, don’t forget to tell your clients about it! Continuous professional development should be an asset valued by your customers too. Document your training time on your social media and let everyone know that you are investing your time and money to add value to the incredible skills you already have available!

Mike Taylor

Mike is the CEO of Mike Taylor Education which is a world-renowned, multi-award-winning hair and barbering academy. Over the last decade, Mike Taylor Education has developed an unrivalled study program delivered through high- teaching.

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