Game-Changer IO2 In-service Training Programme

A pro-active and positive approach to CPD is vital to both you and your learners. CPD can take place in the workplace, a learning environment or even at home or another informal setting. It should be used as an opportunity for lifelong learning with a focus on both professional and personal improvement. CPD should form an important part of everyone’s careers and you should take ownership of your own development in order to give yourself the best chances of fulfilling your potential. Seeking out CPD opportunities should be encouraged at every stage of our lives as we should never stop seeking to learn and improve ourselves. It is important for all individuals to identify which competencies they are lacking or wish to improve. The list of potential professional development areas is not exhaustive and is completely subjective to the individual. The key factor is that once you have identified the areas for improvement, you must develop and implement a structured professional development action plan to address the gaps in your knowledge. CPD helps build and maintain your professional skills as well as your confidence and self-belief. By undertaking a broad range of professional development activities you can develop your skills, knowledge, expertise as well as a range of personal attributes that will help you to improve your professional performance and future opportunities. The key benefits of undertaking professional development activities include: 1. Increasing your existing knowledge and skills; 2. Developing new skills and capabilities; 3. Keeping up to date with the latest trends, advances or changes in your industry; 4. Overcoming barriers and addressing any weaknesses you have; 5. Re-energise your motivation and desire to learn or to improve your performance; 6. Enhancing your professional profile or reputation; 7. Enabling you to meet new contacts and access different networks; 8. Increasing your career opportunities. There are many different mechanisms for undertaking CPD including certified courses, seminars, workshops and job shadowing. It is important that you understand your own preferred learning style before identifying the CPD opportunities you intend to pursue. You should focus on formats of CPD that you feel will be most beneficial to you and your identified development goals. If you utilise your CPD effectively then you will increase your professional competence, career opportunities and hopeful the satisfaction you gain from your working life.