Looking for a creative angle on career advancement? Training is a great way to expand your skills and make yourself attractive for promotion. Did you know many companies offer free training, education and professional development to their employees? It’s true, but in many cases it’s up to the employee to express interest and initiate the conversation. Depending on the company you work for and the position you hold, some types of training will appeal more than others. For instance, many businesses offer management training programs. Not sure about yours? Check with your HR department or ask your supervisor. If you aspire to management, but lack the experience, a management training program can expose you to different aspects of management and equip you for future opportunities. Maybe you want to acquire some new computer skills to stay sharp in your field. Many organizations offer free computer training courses online. Check your company Intranet or employee portal for a listing of online training courses. If that’s not an option, you may be eligible for tuition reimbursement which would allow you to take a course at a local college or night school. A third option would be to inquire about taking an off-site training seminar. A large percentage of companies allocate money in their budget for employee training and professional development—you just need to ask. From online courses, employee training classes and tuition reimbursement, to professional development seminars and internal management training programs, there are many ways to keep learning and growing in your career. Do your homework and find out what training benefits are available to you and then pursue the opportunities that will keep you advancing!