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By Diane Earles – Senior Mentor and Sales & Marketing Manager, Professional Academy
Learning at Work Week is always a welcome reminder of something we know to be true — that professional development isn’t a one-off event but an ongoing commitment. One that can transform not only individual careers but also the wider success and culture of an organisation. As both Senior Mentor and Sales & Marketing Manager, I’ve seen first-hand how continual learning empowers teams to grow, adapt, and thrive. It brings fresh energy into the workplace and builds a stronger foundation for the challenges ahead.
In today’s fast-moving environment, knowledge can date quickly — especially in fields like marketing, sales, and management. But continual learning isn’t just about staying relevant. It’s about giving your team the confidence to apply new ideas, the curiosity to ask better questions, and the strategic thinking to make more informed decisions.
When a team is supported to learn and grow, performance follows. Retention improves. Engagement goes up. People feel invested in — and they respond with greater loyalty, creativity, and accountability.
One of the most effective ways to support your team’s development is through formal training. Whether it’s a professional qualification , such as The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Institute of Sales Professionals, Chartered Management Institute or Institute of Leadership & Management , or a Marketing, Sales or Management apprenticeship , all of which we offer, these programmes provide structured, industry-recognised training that delivers real value in the workplace.
We often see learners using their assignments to tackle real business challenges — from creating brand strategies to mapping the customer journey or rethinking digital campaign planning. It’s not learning for learning’s sake, but learning that moves the dial.
A common concern I hear from employers is time. “Will it take them away from the job?” The short answer is no — especially when the programme is well-structured and backed by tutor support. At Professional Academy, we deliver learning in a way that fits with and compliments what the student is doing in work — not against it. Teams get to apply what they’re learning in real-time, supported by expert tutors who understand both the academic framework and the realities of business.
When learning becomes part of the culture, something powerful happens. People start sharing ideas, mentoring one another, and bringing new thinking into the room. As a manager, you no longer have to push development — it starts to pull itself forward. One of my favourite things is seeing former apprentices stepping up into senior roles and supporting others with their apprenticeships. It creates a cycle of growth and aspiration that benefits the whole organisation.
If you’re thinking about how to invest in your team this Learning at Work Week, professional development is one of the most effective, lasting ways to do it. Not only will you strengthen capability, but you’ll also show your team that they matter — that you’re willing to invest in their growth, not just their output. Because when your people grow, so does your business.