How to Ask Your Boss to Pay for Cloud Training

Here is an example request letter and four steps you can take to convince your boss to pay for your cloud training and certification.

For many IT professionals, the thought of asking their boss to pay for training and certification is daunting. After all, you don't want to seem like you're not already competent in your role. But the truth is—IT training and cloud certification can deliver a positive return on investment (ROI) not only for you, but also for your company.

Many employers are willing to invest in their employees' professional development, but they may not know the benefits of IT training and certification. That's where you come in. By making a solid case for why IT training and certification are beneficial for both you and your employer, you're more likely to get your boss on board to cover the costs.

4 Steps to Build a Case for Employer-Sponsored Cloud Training

#1 Align Your Request With the Company's Goals

When asking your boss to invest in your professional development, it's essential to align your request with the company's goals. For example, if your company is looking to containerize more applications, you could request training and certification for Kubernetes and other container development and management training. By doing so, you're not only furthering your own professional development but also helping the company reach its goals.

Also, explain that technology is advancing so quickly that you need training to keep your skills fresh so you can do your best work. Often, employers are willing to invest in employees who they see as being future leaders within the organization.

#2 Cite the Cost of Not Staying Up to Speed

In today's rapidly changing cloud landscape, staying up to date on the latest technology is more critical than ever. If you're not near the forefront, you run the risk of being left behind—which can be costly for you and your employer.

According to a survey by HR DIVE, employers in the United States lose up to $1.8 trillion in wasted productivity due to obsolete technology. And, as any IT professional knows, outdated technology can lead to increased downtime and security breaches—both of which are costly.

By staying up to date on the latest technology, you can help your employer navigate new technology and best practices that can avert costly pitfalls.

#3 Look for Training That Offers a Real-World Experience

You know the saying, practice makes perfect. Well, it's true—especially when it comes to cloud and other IT skills. To maintain your skills and keep them sharp, you need to have a chance to practice them in a real-world setting.

When you're looking for training, be sure to find a provider that offers a lab environment where you can try new skills, fail safely and know with certainty what areas you fully understand and where you need more training. Not only will this help you better retain new skills, but it will also give you the confidence you need to put your new skills to use in the workplace.

#4 Write A Request Letter

Get your boss' attention by writing a request letter that includes all the information from steps one and two. In your letter, be sure to:

• Clearly state your case for why cloud training and certification are beneficial for both you and your employer.
• Cite specific examples of how the training will help you improve your work and contribute to the company's goals.
• Explain the cost of not staying up to date on the latest technology.

Still not sure how to get started? Here’s a sample letter you can personalize to ask your boss to pay for your cloud training and certification.

Sample Request Letter for Employer-Sponsored IT Training

John,

As you know, I’m passionate, dedicated, and committed to my work as a software developer at XYZ Company. To further my development in the field, I would like to request sponsorship to pursue additional training in DevOps certification.

I firmly believe this training will benefit me professionally and contribute to the company's goals. Several of our partners and clients have adopted DevOps practices, and I believe that my new skills will help us better serve their needs.

In addition, DevOps is becoming increasingly popular, and I believe it's important for XYZ Corporation to have a champion on board to build a strong DevOps culture. By sponsoring my training, you would be investing in both my professional development and the company's future.

Like you emphasized in the staff meeting two days ago, being at the forefront of new technology is crucial to our success. I firmly believe that pursuing this training is essential to staying ahead of the curve. And I'm willing to put in the extra effort to ensure I properly utilize my new skills to benefit XYZ Corporation.

I would be happy to meet with you to discuss this further. In the meantime, please find additional information about the training I am interested in pursuing.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
John Blake
IT Professional

Keep in mind that by following up with an in-person meeting, you stand a much better chance than just sending in a letter. In the meeting, you can drive home how important this is for your career growth and the company's bottom line.

Asking your boss to pay for IT training and certification can seem daunting. But by researching, knowing the facts, and writing a persuasive request letter, you'll be well on your way to getting the training and certification you need to reach your professional goals.

Still need help? Request more information about the value of our training programs. Our team of experts can help you create a custom training plan that meets your needs and budget.

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