Struggling to get ahead in your industry? Can’t seem to find the right training that would land you that dream promotion? Well then call the Professionals, not no-nonsense 1970s crime fighting duo Bodie and Doyle, but the body of excellence that represents your industry.
Education and training have always been associated with professional bodies. In many industries professional bodies provided education programmes before the opening up of the higher education system to large numbers of participants. In some cases, the professional bodies developed the initial course programmes and introduced them. In some disciplines the link has been maintained - medicine being an excellent example of the close involvement of professional bodies with educational institutions. Professional bodies are most energetic when promoting their respective professions, but many are now starting to establish themselves as life-long learning providers.
Professional bodies are generally organisations that act as an intellectual and professional link between members of a particular profession. Some more trade union-type organisations are mainly concerned with issues like bargaining and working conditions. Professional bodies will take a stand in matters such as education and training, professional skills, policy matters and social issues. They therefore take a particular interest in professional education within the higher and further education sectors. As changes occur in the workplace - particularly with a accelerating increase in knowledge provision - initial education and on-the-job training no longer suffice. Professional bodies are attempting to meet the demands of their knowledge-hungry members and aspiring new members. Professional bodies have thus concerned themselves with the education, promotion, and management of their respective professions. For example, The Royal Institute of British Architects, founded in 1837, is the representative body for professionally qualified architects in Ireland. The RIBA, as the leading voice of the profession, represents the profession before government, business, industry and the media. The Institute also provides publications, seminars, courses, field trips, archives and job search facilities for its members. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is a professional body recognised worldwide. Members of ACCA are employed in many branches of industry and commerce, as well as in private practice. Accountancy students are also encouraged to join the ACCA's Student Society.
Most professional societies also encourage student membership. This is a natural move as professional bodies have a hand committed to developing and maintaining standards and policies for education within their professions. Some of these organisations also push for social awareness and debate, and work hard at influencing government and industry policy decisions.
A professional qualification is completely necessary for some occupations, such as Law or Nursing. In many other professions however, it is worth taking a course simply for the educational and training value. For example, electricians can avail of the latest courses and qualifications in the industry at the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC); similarly the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) provides educational options to professionals in the marketing sector. Besides the obvious educational and training benefits, these bodies are an excellent resource for building valuable links within the industry and finding out about the latest career opportunities and industry trends.
Professional organisations motivate professionals to develop their skills, and they ensure the resources for this development are provided. Improving professional ability is essential; the market never stands still and customer demands are for consistently higher levels of service. So, all aspirant and experienced professionals out there would be well advised to join your professional representative organisation and make full use of their educational services.
