Digitalisation & E-learning Driving Training Market Growth

Upskilling the workforce has become a priority for businesses and this has increased the demand for corporate training. Specifically, growth is being driven by e-learning and the digitalisation of training materials. How can businesses and trainers make the most out of the opportunity to future-ready employees using virtual training modules and resources?

Online Training to Upskill the Workforce

A report published in PR Newswire* suggests that the future looks bright for corporate trainers. Their research indicates that steady growth in the European corporate training market will continue through to 2026. However, they’ve identified that it is the emergence of cost-effective e-learning modules and digital materials that underpin this growth.

Online learning is nothing new, the first online course was offered by the Open University in
Catalonia in 1985. With the development of online learning platforms, virtual courses have been
edging into the offer for many trainers and educational establishments over the last decade. What transformed things was being forced online during the pandemic.

Like me, many corporate trainers had no choice but to shift to virtual and rethink how best to
present information in formats that worked online. Equally, employers had little option but to
embrace online learning to upskill the workforce.

Initially, it was a challenge, but the benefits of virtual training and e-learning modules soon became clear.

So, what are they?

The Benefits of Virtual Training and E-learning

For both businesses and trainers, the first advantage is cost. Virtual training avoids expenses
associated with travel, room hire, refreshments and accommodation.

Secondly, virtual training is time efficient. This is partly due to being able to access the learning from work or home, rather than travelling to a venue. Equally, it allows employees based in different offices, across the UK or globally, to attend the same training event.

There are also time benefits. In-person training courses are typically a half or full-day commitment. However, it is possible to complete e-learning modules or attend virtual training sessions in 45 minutes to an hour. Not losing a member of staff for the whole day reduces disruption and this makes it easier to offer learning and development opportunities to the team.

Also tied into time, it is easier for our brains to absorb and process information in small chunks. So, when trainers break down content into shorter online learning modules, they increase the chance of the learning being retained and applied.

With the range of online training platforms that are now available, it has become straightforward for trainers to develop online courses and for employees to access these via a PC, laptop, tablet or phone.

Virtual Instructor Led Training

One concern that business owners share with me about online training is that it’s not tailored or as interactive as in-person training. I agree that this can be an issue with online training modules. They are written to impart information, such as technical skills or industry knowledge and the learner just works through at their pace. If your business is keen to tailor content and evoke discussion, I advise you to seek ut Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT). Although online, VILT is live and interactive. The trainer delivers the content, encourages interaction and both asks and responds to questions. With VILT, there are pportunities to share ideas for implementing the learning, along with ways to overcome barriers.

The Challenges of Virtual Training

Successful outcomes from virtual training are dependent on several factors.

• Firstly, the trainer needs to be competent in the virtual platform they are using and all available tools. The course should be specifically designed for online learning, which is distinct from in-person training. Using a range of media and materials to build understanding and encourage engagement is also vital. My training the trainer services have helped many to build the necessary skills and confidence to adapt to online delivery.
• Secondly, the training must be relevant to the learner and they must have some commitment to it. This is dependent on good communication between the business and the trainer. Unless mandatory, I advise corporate clients to offer training as an option for employees. This also helps you to identify who is motivated to learn to better their career opportunities. I would also suggest preparing a training agreement with delegates. This might include asking them to complete a pre-and post-training assessment and/or keeping their camera on throughout the session. Assessments can be valuable in setting expectations, assessing understanding, monitoring development and identifying gaps in learning.

Is the Future of Training Virtual?

I believe virtual training will play an increasing role in upskilling the workforce. That’s largely because it’s more flexible, cost-effective and accessible than in-person training, however, it doesn’t have to stand alone. I’ve seen successful employee development when e-learning has been combined with mentoring or coaching. The training provides the foundations of learning and the mentoring aids implementation.

If something has held you back from embracing virtual training, get in touch. I can answer your
questions and provide suggestions on how to get the most out of this opportunity.

For further information on VILT in advanced leadership and performance coaching, please get in touch at info@suegarner.co.uk or 07775 624724.

* https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/corporate-training-market-in-europe-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-7-31-from-2021-to-2026-digitization-of-learning-materials-will-drive-growth—technavio-301781903.html