The Trouble With Training… Caveat emptor

Caveat emptor or let the buyer beware.

Be careful choosing career training. Remember schools, even state schools are in the business of selling training. Sometimes the training offered or pushed in some cases is not what the employers in your area or needing. Some schools sell training programs using national statistics that are not relevant in your local community. Remember there are “lies, damn lies, and statistics”. A statistical change from 10 job openings to 20 job openings would represent a 100% increase. But 10 new jobs statewide are not very many.
Some schools offer training that employers will not want or need. Sometimes the training is in demand nationally and not in your local area which means you may need to relocate to utilize it.

In some cases, employers offer the training free and with employment. Pharmacy tech and nursing aides are both offered by some employers. Blood donation collectors in some cases offer phlebotomy training.

Always check with employers and work your way back to training providers. Remember if the skill or training attained is not in demand by employers you have wasted time and resources.

Any kind of training offered by employers is usually in demand and will be needed by other employers. As a rule, employers generally do not waste money on useless training.

Balance what the school says about training with how much actually employers value the training. Remember, “Caveat emptor or let the buyer beware” and research and choose the appropriate training to further your career.

Links to training