How to get your Training paid for by your organization (including template)

Do you feel you need to boost your skills and increase your knowledge when running meetings but don’t know how to ask your employer to pay for training?

You might be surprised to discover that your employer is more inclined to support your training than expected. Many organizations even have tuition reimbursement programs that allow you to enroll in courses, purchase books or acquire certifications.

So, in this post, I want to share my top tips to convince your employer to finance your next online training (like my Virtual Facilitator Training, but these tips also apply to any other education you want to pursue) 😊

💼 Check your organization’s tuition reimbursement policies

Usually, companies have internal policies that describe employee training and development. These policies contain information about the training options supported with tuition reimbursement, the allocated budget, etc.

But if your employer doesn’t have a policy, ask someone from the HR Department whether they have ever paid for employee training. This is a gentle way to open the door to this conversation.

If they have – great! If they haven’t yet, ask what they need to see from you to consider it.

📆 Ask when training budgets are set

Typically, budgets are allocated at the beginning of your organization’s fiscal year, so it’s better to request funding as early as possible in the year before the budget is gone.

If the budget is already spent for the year, add a reminder to your calendar to follow up.

👨🏽‍💼 Include your Manager and other key decision-makers in the training evaluation process

Remember, many departments, such as Human Resources, may be involved in evaluating and approving your technical training. Getting them involved from the beginning will improve your chances of final approval.

For my Virtual Facilitator Training, I suggest planning a workshop that you’ll run for your team after graduating to implement and showcase your new skills.

🔍 Research all the training options and be prepared to present your findings

It’s essential to do your research into all viable training options that meet your needs.

Compare the costs, curriculum, duration, delivery format—online or in class—and the pros and cons of each option. Be prepared to present your findings to your manager or other key decision-makers, explaining the alternatives you considered. Your research summary can speed up the decision-making process.

💸 Your company may be eligible for training tax credits, deductions, or direct funding

Check local and regional government websites and ask your accounting department if your training program is eligible.

This would be a huge incentive if you work for a non-profit organization that doesn’t usually have a professional development budget. If funding is available, you might be able to ask your employer to match it.

📋 Create a list of ways your organization will benefit from the training

Your employer will want to understand how your online technical training can affect the whole company.

Possible examples are:

A trained employee may reduce the need and cost for outside contractors.

New knowledge and skills can be shared with others in the department (You might even want to run a workshop where you share your biggest facilitation lessons with your team)

Efficiency will increase, and the time needed to accomplish the tasks will be reduced.

Trained employees have a positive attitude towards their organization and are inclined to accept more responsibility.

See below for the reimbursement letter template for my Virtual Facilitator Training where I also listed several benefits and learning outcomes.

🤔 Anticipate and address all concerns about your chosen training option

Your boss could be worried about the quality of the program, its outcomes, and how it will affect your work. If considering my Virtual Facilitator Training you might include the following:

• Time away from work: To master facilitation skills, you can’t simply read a book or watch some videos – you need to experience what a well-designed training looks and feels like to recreate a similar impact within your organization. This is why showing up for the interactive, live sessions is crucial.
• Cost: Highlight to them that there are 2x levels of training and investment in skills, which will increase productivity and efficiency in the organization.
• Loyalty to the company: Reassure your employer that you don’t want to be trained to find another job. If it is an issue, you might suggest creating an agreement to pay back the tuition assistance if you leave the organization within a set time.

🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Gather more team members and access Group Rates

If other employees are also interested in becoming more impactful group facilitators, I am happy to set a group rate for your organization.

If more than three people from your organization are interested in my Virtual Facilitator Training, please contact me to schedule a call and learn more about my custom training.

I have run several internal trainings for organizations worldwide that took advantage of learning in a dedicated cohort, customizing the curriculum to the current challenges in their workplace and being able to run it on their schedule.

Keep in mind that what you’ll learn with the training will benefit your employer, too. Trained employees are motivated and loyal. They improve a company’s efficiency and tend to spread their knowledge in their work environment. Your education will benefit the whole company.

Using the right combination of these tips, there is no reason why your employer should not seriously consider reimbursing your tuition for my Virtual Facilitator Training, my The EPIC Facilitator Training or any other training you’d like to enroll in.

So, don’t be shy.

Ask your employer to invest in your training and be ready to show the benefit to the company (using the template below).

Step 1: Get Approval from Your Manager or HR

Managers and HR departments are often open to approving training budgets, especially if the program directly relates to your work and can improve your performance.

• Use my pre-made reimbursement form: Present this to your manager or HR to show your interest.
• Articulate the benefits: Explain how the training will enhance your work, benefit your team, and improve organizational outcomes. Be specific about projects where this training could address issues and boost results.

Step 2: Sign Up for the Training and Get It Expensed

Once approved, you can register in two ways:

1. Company Enrollment: Your manager or HR can register and pay directly though the website.
2. Self Enrollment: You register and pay with personal funds, then apply for reimbursement.

Payments can be made by credit card or through an invoice.

For assistance, contact team@jankeck.com

Step 3: Get Credit for Your New Skills

After completing the training, you’ll receive a certificate confirming your successful completion. Share this with your HR department or team leader to showcase your new skills and discuss how to apply them within the organization.