6 Responses

1. Next step in development
   Hi Kerrie, The next step you take in terms of your development should be linked to your overall goals and aspirations.

   If you wish to further develop your training skills there are a number of routes you could take; NLP, TA, psychometrics, coaching, experiential, technical etc.

   If you want to become better informed about some of the models and techniques in greater depth you might consider a Masters degree in HR or education which gives you the freedom to choose your own topic of research.

   This may enable you to research some of the options listed above to find out more about them and decide to follow one?

   I did this about ten years ago and it opened up a lot of new possibilities for me as well as providing some surprises about some of the techniques I had been using for many years.

   It is interesting to find the original version of a technique written by the author. These are often not so clear cut as the commercial versions we might use and often have questions and caveats which do not get the same prominence.

   Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

   Cheers.

2. What next…
   Hi Kerrie

   You mention that you don’t have a degree – so what!! I run my own successful L&D consultancy and I don’t have a degree either – but I do have a CTP.

   What next, well – where do you want to specialise in would be my question? Options like Leadership, Coaching, Management Development, Behavioural, Psychology etc all spring to mind. Then find some way of getting that knowledge and experience from within your organisation. Read the books, ask to co-deliver etc.

   Although you work for a large organisation you could try joining Trainerbase (http://www.trainerbase.co.uk) as a way of looking around and seeing what is out there in terms of L&D roles etc. It also has a great online forum and holds CPD events as well as annual conferences. However one of the big things that may be of interest to you in a year or so is the CLP – Certified Learning Practitioner.

   The world of L&D is huge as I am sure you are aware – enjoy!

   Andrew

3. up, down… left or right?
   Hi
   This will all depend what type of learning you want to undertake – personal or academic? and your future career aspirations.

   For academic look at the various diploma in Training on offer (inc ITOL) or to a masters in learning , psychology or organisational development

   for more hands on learning try:
   ELF (Excellent Learning Facilitation) programme (http://www.matrix42.co.uk/goblin.htm )
   TAP programme (http://www.tap-training.com/ )
   or as Andrew says the Certified Learning Practitioner programme from TrainerBase (http://www.trainerbase.co.uk/association/clp/clp.asp )

   I wish you well on your journey
   Mike

4. Academic or vocational?
   Hi Kerrie,

   I agree with Nick in that your next steps will depend on what you want to get out of the qualifications.

   If you want to do things that will add DIRECT value to your role as a Trainer, then things like NLP, Transactional Analysis and more sophisticated Train the Trainer courses will help.

   If you want INDIRECT value, or to broaden your outlook, try going down the route of continuing with the CIPD.

   I am two-thirds of the way through Chartered Membership, having started with my CTP. I have found that the syllabus has given broader exposure to HR issues, which has helped me to work more closely with line managers in supporting their needs, and those of their teams.

   It’s also helped from a career perspective, in making me more employable. Be warned though – it’s bleeding hard work!

   Good luck with whatever you choose.

   Phil

5. Life after CTP
   Kat
   First let me own a small vested interest. I work for the National School of Government and we have an extensive range of further development options for those working in L&D, this may be of particular interest as you work in the public sector. But I will try and give an impartial reply.
   Firstly, I would apply the skills you learnt on the CTP to do your own needs analysis. If there are particular skills you need to extend then that would be a good start point. Commonly this includes things like facilitation skills, consultancy skills, more advanced design skills, accelerated learning and so on.
   You might also want to think about broadening your expertise, perhaps into coaching, elearning, buying training, running assessment centres, etc. Or start thinking about your career direction by looking at managing L&D, OD, Knowledge Management, HR, Talent Management, Organisational Learning, or, of course, really specialising in L&D.
   There are all the non-accredited development options from going to conferences and exhibitions, joining networks, getting a coach, secondment, reading, taking on special projects, etc.
   But if it is a qualification you are after – which is great for furthering your professional status – then a post-graduate Diploma or Masters degree are good options. It is worth noting that CIPD do not recognise many such qualifications, which is a great, great shame. So if higher level membership is important to you then their approved programmes are the best bet.
   Of the Universities, you will need to decide the style and focus that best fits your needs. Leicester have a good reputation but the content and format is not for everyone. And ITOL do a Diploma.
   Maybe others would like to offer current advice if they are undertaking such studies.
   Best of luck
   Graham

6. University of Leicester Diploma
   To build on Graham’s comment on post-grad Diplomas, I completed the Diploma in T&D by distance learning with the University of Leicester last year, having already done the CTP. I not only learned a huge amount, which I could apply directly despite its academic appearance, but also really enjoyed the course. The materials were excellent, and though I never contacted my tutor for support, I got detailed, actionable feedback on every assignemnt, which lead to me achieving an overall distinction. I would definitely recommend as long as you are comfortable with writing academic assignments.