This month is Career Development Month, a perfect opportunity to focus on upskilling your team.  

The good news? Building your team’s skills does not need a big budget. Many of the best ways to support career growth are affordable, effective, and easy to put into action.  

Take advantage of free and low-cost online courses 

There is a huge selection of online courses available that are free or low-cost, covering everything from technical skills to leadership.  

These courses offer flexible options, allowing employees to learn at their own pace and fit training around their schedules. 

Use in-house skills for peer learning 

Your team likely has a wealth of knowledge within it. Why not set up a peer learning programme this month?  

This could be as simple as a team member leading a short session on a skill or tool they know well.  

From Excel tips to client management, peer-led sessions are a fantastic way to boost skills and build team bonds at no extra cost. 

Set up mentorship and job shadowing 

Formal training is not the only way to grow professionally.  

Setting up mentorship pairs or job shadowing within the team can help employees learn new skills and gain fresh insights.  

Mentorship offers guidance, while job shadowing lets team members explore other roles, all with minimal or no cost. 

Make time for microlearning and self-study 

Learning does not have to mean long courses or all-day sessions.  

Microlearning – short, focused bursts of learning, can fit easily into the workday.  

Setting aside even half an hour each week for a new skill or area of interest can lead to steady progress over time, and a little self-study can go a long way. 

Encourage free industry events and networking 

Many industry events, webinars, and workshops are free or discounted.  

Encouraging your team to attend relevant events keeps them updated on industry trends and helps them grow their networks.  

Employees can then share their takeaways with the team, spreading knowledge and keeping everyone engaged. 

Recognise and reward self-development 

Encouragement is a powerful motivator. Recognising employees who take the initiative to learn something new shows that their efforts are valued.  

Building a culture of recognition around learning is a great way to keep everyone motivated. 

Make use of free resources from professional bodies 

Professional bodies and trade associations often have free or discounted learning tools for members.  

Organisations provide free webinars, courses, and resources, ideal for businesses looking to upskill on a budget.  

Be sure your team knows these resources are available. 

Upskilling doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. This Career Development Month, explore these simple but effective ways to help your team grow professionally.  

If you would like more advice on affordable development options, contact our expert business development accountants today.