Your organisation is growing, and you need to upskill your workforce to keep pace with industry changes. You’re faced with a crucial decision—should you invest in accredited training programs, which are backed by globally recognized institutions, or opt for non-accredited training, which can be customized to fit specific business needs? This choice is not just about cost; it directly impacts employee performance, career progression, and compliance with industry regulations.
Understanding the benefits and limitations of both approaches is essential for making an informed decision that aligns with your organisational goals.
Understanding Accredited Training
Accredited training is officially recognized by authoritative bodies that validate the course content, instructor credentials, and delivery quality. Organisations like PeopleCert, AXELOS, APMG International, BCS, IIBA, PMI, EXIN, and ISACA certify training programs to ensure they meet industry standards.
Key Benefits of Accredited Training
✔ Industry Recognition: Certifications from accredited courses are highly valued by employers worldwide.
✔ Standardized Curriculum: Training content is structured to meet industry benchmarks, ensuring consistency and relevance.
✔ Career Advancement: Accredited certifications enhance job prospects and professional credibility.
✔ Compliance and Legal Requirements: Some industries mandate accredited training for compliance purposes.
✔ Quality Assurance: Accreditation ensures a high level of training delivery by certified instructors.
✔ Increased ROI: Businesses that invest in accredited training experience higher employee efficiency and retention.
What is Non-Accredited Training?
Non-accredited training is not validated by an external certification body, but it can still be beneficial for organisations looking to provide flexible, customized learning experiences. These programs focus on skill-building without the formalities of exams or certifications.
Advantages of Non-Accredited Training
✔ Internal Training Needs: Companies can create their own learning modules for specific job roles.
✔ Budget Constraints: Non-accredited programs can be more cost-effective.
✔ Short-Term Learning Goals: Ideal for workshops and upskilling initiatives.
✔ Flexibility in Course Design: Organisations can modify training content based on evolving business needs.
✔ Faster Implementation: No need to wait for external accreditation approval; courses can be rolled out quickly.
✔ Tailored Learning Paths: Companies can design courses that align with their unique business goals and operational requirements.
Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Training: What’s Best for Your Business?
The decision depends on an organisation’s priorities:
- If compliance, credibility, and career progression are crucial, accredited training is the best choice.
- If cost, flexibility, and customized content are more important, non-accredited training may be more practical.
A hybrid approach—combining accredited training for key roles and non-accredited courses for internal knowledge sharing—can be an effective way to balance skill development and budget considerations.
The Growing Demand for Accredited Training
A LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report found that 94% of employees would stay longer at a company that invests in their career development. Furthermore, companies that provide accredited training tend to attract top talent, as employees seek workplaces that prioritize professional growth and industry-recognized qualifications.
According to a 2023 survey by the World Economic Forum, the skills gap continues to widen, with 50% of employees needing reskilling by 2025. This highlights the necessity for accredited training programs that ensure employees remain competitive and adaptable in a rapidly evolving job market.
Common Misconceptions About Accredited and Non-Accredited Training
❌ Accredited Training is Too Expensive: While accredited courses require an investment, they often deliver higher returns through increased productivity and employee retention.
❌ Non-Accredited Training Lacks Value: Non-accredited training can be highly effective for niche skill development and internal processes.
❌ Accredited Training is Only for Large Corporations: Small businesses can also benefit from accredited training, especially in competitive industries where certifications provide an edge.
How Organisations Can Leverage Both Training Types
Organisations can implement a tiered training strategy, using accredited programs for roles requiring formal certification and non-accredited training for ongoing skill enhancement and process improvements. For example:
- IT professionals may require COBIT or ITIL certifications for industry credibility.
- Sales teams may benefit from customized negotiation and communication training that aligns with company culture.
- Leadership teams may undertake accredited Project Management or Agile training while also engaging in company-led workshops.
Conclusion
With industries evolving rapidly, organisations must adopt training strategies that ensure both compliance and continuous employee development. Accredited training provides structured learning and credibility, while non-accredited training offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness. To bridge the gap, many companies adopt a blended approach, leveraging both types of training.
By partnering with Training Creatively, your organisation can benefit from high-quality accredited courses tailored to meet industry standards. Visit www.trainingcreatively.com to explore our training programs and empower your workforce with globally recognized certifications. Or contact us today!
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