Five benefits of lifelong learning

Did you know that learning new skills can boost your confidence? Or that upskilling can help you make new professional connections?

At Children in Scotland, we are passionate about continuous learning, not only for career development but for the many wellbeing benefits it can provide, too. Here’s our top five reasons to engage your brain and learn something new.

1. Motivation

After doing the same role for a while, it’s easy and quite common to start feeling a lack of motivation and drive, especially if you’re not challenged by your current responsibilities. Starting a new course or qualification can bring back some of your ‘get up and go’ and help with focus and productivity as you learn new skills.

2. Confidence

Expanding your skills through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) can lead to a massive boost in self-esteem as you gain positive feedback and grow more confident in your abilities. And who doesn’t love that feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing a new project?

3. Better working relationships

Workplace training courses aren’t just about achieving individual goals – by working through new learning programmes as a team, you’ll make connections with colleagues and foster better communication, creating a trusting and collaborative environment.

4. Improved memory and concentration

Did you know that learning a new skill is like a workout for the mind? From completing crossword puzzles to revising coursework, challenging your brain to learn something new can create new neural connections, improve executive functions and even help us remember new information.

5. New opportunities

Expanding your existing skills and knowledge, and maintaining professional qualifications, can give you a competitive edge when it comes to applying for new jobs – and also show employers that you’re interested in progression.

If you’ve been inspired to learn something new, did you know that we offer a range free courses? Check out our eLearning Hub (click here for more), where you'll find a range of online programmes relevant to the children’s sector, including a new module on Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC), and a course on understanding visual impairment in preschool children.