Prior to attempting to understand how to make the most of the various CPD opportunities available, it is important to understand why CPD exists and its primary purpose.
Why does CPD exist?
CPD exists to ensure that an individual enhances their skills and abilities once they have formally qualified. Typically, academic qualifications have already been completed at this stage and an individual is now working within the Security Industry with a specific job function. CPD is important as it helps to ensure that further learning is progressed in a structured, practical and relevant way to guarantee that there are applied efficiencies in learning. CPD allows an individual to focus on what specific skills and knowledge they require over a short-term period, say 12 months, in order to be confident there is recognisable improvement within their proficiency and skillsets.
The purpose of CPD
In an ever-increasing globalised and competitive society, the importance of CPD cannot be overstated. The Security Industry is forever evolving, which creates exciting opportunities but which also comes with challenges. CPD enables an individual to regularly apply attention to areas of development and take appropriate action to reduce any shortfalls in knowledge. Equally, an individual must see Continuing Professional Development as a way to remain competitive with his or her peers, and as an opportunity to differentiate themselves at moments where this may be required, such as in job interviews or in tenders for new work and business acquisition. As more people become professionally qualified with similar qualifications, CPD can be important as a means of separating yourself from the pack.
A planned approach to CPD allows an individual to put themselves in charge of their own career development and work-related ambitions. A personal empowerment of learning brings with it an increase in confidence and resulting abilities, all of which correlate to an improvement of capability for their employment environment.
Importance of CPD for Employers
The responsibility for completing Continuing Professional Development lies ultimately with the individual, often within the context of their membership and involvement with Security Industry professional bodies or institutes. However, more and more employers are taking a proactive and supporting role with the CPD required by their employees. Aside from industry associations, CPD’s importance within general enterprise is growing, as more employers see the benefits of more highly skilled, motivated and committed workforce. There is a common misunderstanding with some employers that CPD takes significant time which may result in periods of “out of the business”. However, the availability of more flexible CPD, like that provided by eCPD.ie suited for business requirements has increased significantly in recent years, with the introduction of online learning, short courses and half-day workshops, as well as distance learning and educational exhibitions. These can provide CPD learning seminars alongside new business revenue and networking opportunities.