Now more than ever, investing in and training your employees is key to future business success. Having said that, it has always been key! Regardless of a global crisis, pandemics, or economic uncertainty, our employees and team members matter to our business!
Having a team of employees with developed technical skills specific to their role, or essential skills like communication, emotional intelligence, productive conflict, and more are vital to their future growth and development, regardless of industry or job title.
It is encouraging to see a steady increase in training inquiries over recent months as organizations see the benefits of engaging a third party to deliver tailored training programs. There are many small and medium-sized organizations who do not have an internal training department to design, create, and deliver training.
Training and developing employees is an important way to attract workers and retain existing staff, according to bdc. One of the key reasons people leave a job is lack of training and advancement opportunities. Investing in training keeps employees engaged and shows you care about them.
Having a team of highly motivated and engaged employees is a win/win for employees, and leadership. There is a significant cost saving in training, versus recruiting and replacing.
Get to Know Our Employee Training Programs
X5 Management’s training programs are tailored for each customer and are proven to deliver lasting results. Some of the programs we offer are:
- Enhance Communication Skills: With a focus on enhancing communication, collaboration, and service delivery, these foundational programs will build the skills of the entire team from frontline workers to Executive Leadership.
- Sales and Customer Service: From the rookie to the veteran sales professional, this training helps salespeople successfully create customer-centric interactions that improve results.
- Team Development: As an award-winning Authorized Partner of The Five Behaviors™ program, X5 Management works with teams to help them gain alignment in the five areas of The Five Behaviors model: Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability and Results.
- Leadership Development: Focuses on helping leaders understand their own leadership styles and how their tendencies influence their effectiveness in specific leadership situations. Participants learn how their style influences how they manage time, make decisions, approach problems. They also learn what they need to do to adapt to the styles of others to bring out the best in every employee in their charge.
A key consideration for business owners and leaders that we speak with is the cost, and how it will impact their organizational training budget.
Fortunately, there is a viable solution that can serve most businesses well from a budget perspective: the Canada-Alberta Job Grant. This grant has been available for several years.
However, recent changes in 2021 have enhanced the process and flexibility for businesses who wish to consider using the grant to help fund training costs.
To learn more about allocating training resources. click here!
What is the Canada-Alberta Job Grant?
The Canada-Alberta Job Grant is an employer-driven training program. Employers use a third-party training provider like X5 Management to deliver formal training to new or existing employees. The Grant pays up to two-thirds of the total cost of training and can cover up to $300,000 per fiscal year for the employer or up to $10,000 per employee.
The grant provides businesses with the opportunity to provide employee training to enhance their skills to help drive optimal results for their employer. Using the Canada Alberta Job Grant to invest in training your employees is a smart and cost-effective way to bring out the very best in your team. Ultimately, it helps you take your business to the next level.
The training format is a combination of full-day on-site and virtual workshops. Additionally, the programs are at least 21 hours total and delivered over the course of three to six months.
By accessing Canada-Alberta Job Grant training grants, employers must show how the training will:
- Impact an employee’s role
- Impact an employee’s job title
- Increase an employee’s salary
- Provide the business with new abilities
- Support new job opportunities
While there are specific criteria to qualify and be approved for grant funding, our team at X5 can help with the process. Simply put, the employer invests in two courses, and the grant covers the other four (if criteria is met).
You are not committed to begin the employee training until you have official approval from the Government of Alberta. Additionally, you do not need to pay until we start with the training set-up. (I.e., Preparing tailored training material, printing of material, issuing assessment reports to trainees, etc.)
Consider the Benefits
The benefits of supporting your employees with training is obvious, and what many leaders do not realize is a 2022 survey (Lorman) is nearly 59% of employees claim they had no workplace training and that most of their skills were self-taught. In the same survey, 74% of employees said they were willing to learn new skills. Employees do believe learning and development in their workplace is important, therefore offering training and development becomes a retention strategy.
In September 2022, Statistics Canada reported close to one million job openings! A retention strategy and a comprehensive succession plan are critical and can help mitigate The Great Resignation and Quiet Quitting.
Ready to learn more about our employee training programs?
Organizations need well-trained employees to remain competitive. There has never been a better time to assess your employee training needs! It’s time to learn more about your organization’s eligibility for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant. We are happy to help you with a complimentary, no-obligation, consultation to review this opportunity further. We are here to help!
In Conclusion
In today’s fiercely competitive job market, where skilled talent is in high demand and retention is a constant challenge, investing in employee training is not just an option but a strategic imperative for businesses aiming to thrive. Here’s why:
Training programs serve as a powerful tool for talent attraction and retention. In a job market where candidates have multiple options, offering comprehensive training programs demonstrates a commitment to employee development and growth, making your organization an attractive prospect for top talent. Moreover, employees are more likely to stay with a company that invests in their professional development, reducing turnover costs and ensuring continuity in operations.
Employee training enhances workforce productivity and efficiency. By equipping employees with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles, organizations can streamline processes, minimize errors, and boost overall performance. Well-trained employees are more confident and capable, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and motivation, which in turn translate into improved productivity and quality of work.
Furthermore, investing in employee training fosters innovation and adaptability. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations must stay agile and continuously adapt to changing market dynamics. Training programs that focus on emerging technologies, industry trends, and new methodologies empower employees to innovate, problem-solve, and stay ahead of the curve, driving business growth and competitiveness.
Employee training contributes to a positive workplace culture. When employees feel supported and valued through opportunities for learning and development, they are more engaged, collaborative, and invested in the success of the organization. A culture that prioritizes learning and growth not only attracts top talent but also cultivates a sense of belonging and loyalty among existing employees.
In conclusion, in a competitive hiring world, investing in employee training is not just an expense but a strategic investment with far-reaching benefits. From attracting and retaining top talent to enhancing productivity, fostering innovation, and nurturing a positive workplace culture, the returns on investment in employee training are undeniable. As businesses navigate the challenges of talent acquisition and retention, prioritizing employee development can set them apart as employers of choice in the marketplace.
About the author: Mike Mack, President, X5 Management
Mike Mack is a sought-after Executive Coach, Consultant, Facilitator and a three-time Amazon bestselling author. He has been helping business teams maximize their potential since 2006 with 
the use of tailored consulting and training programs, along with coaching advice. For Mike, it’s about trusted collaboration with his customers. He is passionate about helping organizations increase their customer satisfaction, improve employee retention, and achieve profitable growth. He supports business in the areas of: Customer Service, Sales Growth, Team Building, Leadership Development and Strategic Planning.
Mike and his colleague Kris Schinke collaborated to write a book on retaining employees, which was published in October 2023; HOW TO STOP THE REVOLVING DOOR – 5 Strategies that will Positively Impact your Employees and Business Results.
Mike holds an MBA from Athabasca University and is a Distinguished Toastmaster; the highest designation Toastmasters International bestows. He is also a certified trainer for Everything DiSC® and an accredited Five Behaviors™ trainer.
