How to find a training provider/course

Training providers: mentors and coaches

Your business may benefit from a more intensive and individual approach to training. Two ways in which this can be achieved are through mentoring and coaching. Both are increasingly popular forms of personal development within business, particularly for senior executives.

There are many similarities between mentoring and coaching. Both involve one-to-one relationships and can enhance productivity and morale whilst providing a supportive environment for those who tend to work on their own.

In general, however, coaching:

• lasts for a set period of time or until a set task is achieved
• is often used to help manage periods of stress or change, or to overcome particular difficulties

In contrast, mentoring:

• tends to be an ongoing process
• is informal and generally unstructured
• offers less of a teacher-pupil relationship, and more of a "friendly, experienced ear" to guide the client

Many organisations and individuals offer coaching and mentoring services. Useful initial points of contact include your local Business Link.

The Business Volunteer Mentor (BVM) scheme can organise cost-free mentoring for new businesses. The BVM scheme is run by the National Federation of Enterprise. You can find more information about the BVM scheme on the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies website.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• What kind of training do you need?
• Transferring skills within your business
• What to look for in a training provider
• Training providers: professional bodies, trade associations, business organisations
• Training providers: private sector providers
• Training providers: mentors and coaches
• Public sector sources of help

 

 Print This Page

Source - Business Link; Crown Copyright.