Challenging Times in Learning & Development
With all face-to-face training being cancelled or postponed during the global pandemic, virtual interactions have had to become the norm. School teachers were one of the first groups of people who had to make virtual training work. Many were thrown into the deep end with it all. Those who already had online learning built into their procedures were able to make faster progress. Others found more innovative ways to teach and support their students.
Skilled Workforces Are Key
One thing that was made clear during the uncertain times was that building the skills and knowledge of the UK’s workforce is key to growing the economy. Whilst many employers already recognise this, during unprecedented times marketing and training budgets are often the first to be stopped. Although in the short-term this may be the best solution, businesses need to start looking at the bigger picture instead.
Keeping Employees Safe
As a result of employers having to keep their staff safe and lowering the risk of them contracting COVID-19, many are turning to online learning to improve their knowledge on this topic. They are also using online learning to maintain the professional development of their staff, so they don’t have to meet people in person.
A recent Udemy study concluded that course enrolments from businesses and governments have increased by 80% in recent times. The subject with the greatest increase in enrolments, as you would expect, were related to working from home; telecommuting; virtual teams; and stress management.
Rise In People Learning New Skills
At the beginning of the pandemic when we went into the first lockdown, there was a surge of people undertaking online learning courses. It almost became a trend! As things have progressed, those who have unfortunately lost their jobs or are uncertain about their future employment have been taking the opportunity to reskill themselves. This has meant a huge uptake in people enrolling in soft skills courses and vocational training.
Online Learning Is Cost-Effective
One main benefit of online learning which employers are starting to realise is that not only does it allow employees to catch up on training from home, but the costs are also lower. Not only are the course fees generally lower as there is no requirement for hiring a training room; but the employer doesn’t have to worry about travel costs either.
Another benefit of not having to travel in order to take part in learning or studying is that employees spend less time away from their day to day job. Again, this makes online learning more cost-effective for employers.
Strategic Approach To Online Learning
The shift towards more online learning has clearly highlighted the need for online learning with good infrastructure. For example, ensuring it doesn’t lose connection when there are lots of students online. If you are a business who is considering in enrolling your staff in online learning, here is a good strategic approach to take:
- Understand the needs of your business
- Identify the requirements of the staff in order to meet these needs
- Evaluate the current training – what is working, what is not working
- Research the virtual / blended aspect of the training
- See if any in-house training resources can be converted online
- Research online courses that will help meet learning objectives
At Brooks and Kirk we have been delivering online training for many years and have therefore created courses specifically with this in mind. With our tutors on hand to support you through your qualification, you are much less likely to notice the difference between face-to-face and online learning. For more information on the courses that we offer, please email our team at training@brooksandkirk.co.uk.
