If you’re working as a recruiter in the skilled trades, it’s critical that you don’t neglect your own professional development. We know how tough it can be to fit in training between work commitments, but continuous learning is integral to your success. The world of recruitment and HR is constantly evolving, and industry professionals must continue to grow and evolve with it.
Why should recruiters pursue professional development?
New ideas and practices are key to taking your career in HR and recruitment to the next level. Courses offer an opportunity to gain new skills, stay up to date on innovations in the industry, and learn to use the latest tools—all of which can offer you a competitive edge.
If you’re a recruiter or an HR professional for the skilled trades and you’re looking to begin your professional development, there’s no better time to get started than right now. Below, we’ve put together a list of the top professional development courses and learning platforms for recruiters, with a special emphasis on training specifically for those at staffing agencies—so you can find one that’s right for you.
What are the best professional development courses for recruiters?
Here are our top picks for professional development courses in the recruitment and staffing industry. Many of the options offer general HR knowledge, while others provide specific training for recruiters working with clients in the skilled trades.
Recruiter.com – Recruiting 101
Interested in starting with the fundamentals? Learn the basics of professional recruitment and talent acquisition with Recruiter.com’s Recruiting 101 course. Developed for those with no previous recruiting or staffing experience who want to launch their career, this training program teaches best practices for each stage of the recruitment life cycle.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $299
Time required: 12 weeks
More information: Recruiter.com
Social Talent
Social Talent offers short, practical courses to help recruiters grow their skills and innovate in their roles. With an e-learning platform that’s simple to use and a range of courses to choose from, Social Talent’s programs are a great option for advancing your skills. Take a look at the Staffing Agency Recruiter Certification, which is designed for existing and aspiring staffing agency recruiters who want to enhance their recruiting and selling skills.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $995 – $1,014
Time required: 15 hours
More information: Social Talent
SHRM Certified Professional (CP)
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers this course to anyone pursuing a career in Human Resource Management. You’ll study HR principles at an operational level, exploring topics such as implementing HR policies, supporting day-to-day HR functions, and serving as an HR point of contact for staff and stakeholders. While not all the subject matter is relevant to roles in staffing agencies, this course provides a strong foundation for future learning in HR and recruitment.
Prerequisites: None, but basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles is recommended
Cost: $375 (members), $400 (non-members)
Time required: 4 hours
More information: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SCP)
A continuation of the CP certification, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers this course for HR professionals in senior level roles. You’ll study HR principles at a strategic level, focusing on topics such as developing HR policies and procedures, overseeing the execution of HR operations, directing HR enterprises, and aligning HR strategies to organizational goals. While not all the subject matter is relevant to roles in staffing agencies, this course provides valuable content for leaders with 3+ years of experience who are looking to increase their knowledge of HR strategy to work more effectively with clients.
Prerequisites: Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they devoted at least 1,000 hours per calendar year (Jan. – Dec.) to strategic level HR/HR-related work
Cost: $375 (members), $400 (non-members)
Time required: 4 hours
More information: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Certified People Sourcing Professional (CPSP)
This certification from Sourcing Certifications is designed specifically for recruiters and talent acquisition professionals. It’s ideal for anyone who is looking for a quick and meaningful way to improve their recruitment skills. Study at your own pace using the online library of classes, e-books, and other resources, then register for the 60-question exam when you’re ready.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $199/month to access online library, $499 to take the exam
Time required: 3-4 hour exam (+ more time to study course materials)
More information: Sourcing Certifications
AIRS Recruiter Academy
AIRS specializes in training for recruiters who are seeking more innovative methods for recruiting and placing candidates. Choose from a wide range of courses, spanning from writing job postings to diversity and inclusion and even cold calling. Or, if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, sign up for the full Recruiter Academy to gain access to all of their courses for one year. The classes are all online, instructor-led, and self-guided, so you can work at your own pace with the support of industry professionals.
Prerequisites: Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they devoted at least 1,000 hours per calendar year (Jan. – Dec.) to strategic level HR/HR-related work
Cost: $3,295 for the full Recruiter Academy, or take a single course starting at $549
Time required: Flexible
More information: AIRS
AIHR
The Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) is an online professional development platform designed especially for people in HR and recruitment. The hands-on approach to learning is an excellent way to build and practice new HR skills that you can apply directly to your role. And with 11 certificate programs and 38 courses to choose from, there’s a nearly endless library of content to explore.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $1,150 per certificate program or $1,950 for a year of access to the full course library
Time required: Flexible
More information: AIHR
LinkedIn Learning
What better platform to learn about staffing and recruitment than the nexus of hiring itself, LinkedIn? Even if you don’t hire on LinkedIn, the company’s library of courses can provide a valuable avenue for professional development. For a flat monthly fee, gain access to hours of content and dozens of courses on recruiting foundations, niche recruiting, aligning candidates with job requirements, and more. A monthly subscription is a great way to pursue continuous development while learning at your own pace.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $30/month
Time required: Courses range from 1 – 9 hours
More information: LinkedIn Learning
The bottom line
Why not start your learning journey today? With so many courses and learning opportunities available—most of which are easily accessible online—there is no better time to pursue your professional development as a recruiter.
Is your staffing agency searching for a software solution to save your team time and resources? Built for Human Resource departments and staffing agencies, Labourly™ is a simple, intuitive solution for managing your skilled workforce. Book a demo call with our team today to explore options for your business.
