My performance appraisal has highlighted several areas where training is required. How can I still get my job done if I go?

If these are essential development needs in order for you to perform your job effectively and in a safe way, your employer should be supportive of your need for time off.

You should identify what policies your employer has on training and development and what they say about time off for training and cover while you are on such training.

You should remind your manager that your development needs have been identified as part of the formal performance appraisal process.

You should agree with your manger those aspects of your current workload that are essential and need to be completed and those which may be delayed. This may enable you to get your job done and still take advantage of the development opportunity

If it essential that you still must complete all of your work and this would therefore make it difficult for you to take the time off for training, discuss with your manager the possibility of your job being covered by someone else during the time you will be away. Remember that keeping staff up to date, motivated and competent through the provision of training and development opportunities, benefits not only the individual member of staff, but the organisation as a whole.