In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business world, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for everyone’s professional success. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through continuous professional development, this of course refers to the process of acquiring new skills, knowledge, and expertise and is something that perhaps only really ends when you retire.
Investing in professional development is not something that benefits just the employee either, no, it is a great way of holding on to staff, staff, that because of the training you have given them can really help a business succeed. In today’s employment marketplace and the skill shortages we are all seeing, this cannot be a bad thing at all.
From the employee’s point of view, the willingness to be trained enhances their skillset whilst also demonstrating their dedication to their career, something that carefully managed can also benefit their employer.
But when it comes to training, what method should you select? There are so many variations? One-to-one training is of course, the best, but this is expensive and has its drawbacks, e.g. not having other students with you can be a daunting experience as you are alone in the ‘spotlight’ so to speak. So, of all the many variations, instructor-led training must be one of the best.
What is instructor-led training?
Instructor-led training (ILT) is a traditional form of training where a qualified instructor leads a class or workshop in a physical or virtual (online) setting. ILT is characterised by its interactive and engaging nature, with instructors providing guidance, feedback, and support throughout the learning process. This form of training allows for real-time interaction between the instructor and participants, creating a dynamic learning environment.
ILT can take various forms, including workshops, boot camps, seminars, conferences, and certification programs. It can be conducted in-person, where participants gather in a physical classroom, or virtually, through webinars and online platforms. Regardless of the format, ILT offers a structured and comprehensive approach to learning, ensuring that participants gain a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Benefits of instructor-led training courses
There are numerous benefits for the student. Firstly, ILT provides a great ‘personalised’ learning experience. This is because the instructors can tailor the course’s content and pace to meet the participants’ specific needs and learning styles. This individualised approach fosters deeper engagement and understanding, leading to more effective learning outcomes. This latter fact is of vital importance, as this form of training increases the level of retention, which in turn means when the students return to their workplace that they are able to use the skills they have learnt.
Secondly, ILT promotes active learning. Through group discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities, participants are actively involved in the learning process. The interactive nature of ILT encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration (very useful when learning programs like Javascript), which are essential skills in today’s professional landscape.
Thirdly, ILT offers immediate feedback and support. Instructors are readily available to answer questions, clarify concepts, and provide guidance throughout the course. This instant feedback helps participants address any misconceptions or gaps in their understanding, ensuring a more comprehensive learning experience.
Different types of instructor-led training courses
Instructor-led training courses come in various forms to cater to different professional needs. One common type of ILT is technical training. Technical training courses focus on developing specific technical skills required in a particular industry or job role, e.g. software development, cybersecurity, project management, and data analysis.
Another type of ILT is leadership and management training. These courses are designed to enhance leadership and management skills, such as communication, decision-making, team building, and strategic thinking. Leadership and management training is particularly valuable for individuals in managerial positions or those aspiring to advance their careers in leadership roles.
Sales and customer service training is yet another type of ILT that targets professionals in sales and customer-facing roles. These courses equip participants with the necessary skills to effectively engage with customers, build relationships and close deals. Sales and customer service training often incorporate role-playing exercises and real-world scenarios to simulate the challenges faced in these roles.
How instructor-led training courses enhance learning
Instructor-led training courses offer several advantages. Firstly, the presence of an instructor provides a sense of accountability. Knowing that there is an expert guiding the learning process motivates participants to stay focused and committed to completing the course; after all when you are learning without someone ‘looking over your shoulder’ it is all too easy to become distracted or to lose motivation. This accountability factor helps overcome procrastination and ensures that participants make the most of their learning experience.
Secondly, ILT fosters a collaborative learning environment. Participants have the opportunity to interact with their peers, share experiences, and learn from each other’s perspectives and mistakes. This collaborative approach encourages active engagement and promotes a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It also builds a network of professionals who can support and mentor each other beyond the training course, something that in itself could bring many benefits to the workplace.
Furthermore, ILT allows for immediate clarification of doubts and misconceptions, participants being able to seek clarification from the instructor in real-time – the ability to ask questions ‘when they come up in the learning process’ being incredibly useful and something totally impossible when using any self learning method – reducing the chances of confusion or misunderstanding. This immediate feedback ensures that participants grasp the concepts correctly and prevent any knowledge gaps from persisting.
Choosing the right instructor-led training course
Selecting the right instructor-led training course is crucial. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a course:
- Relevance: Ensure that the course aligns with your professional goals and addresses the specific skills or knowledge you wish to acquire.
- Instructor expertise: Research the qualifications and experience of the instructor. A knowledgeable and experienced instructor can significantly impact the quality of the training.
- Learning format: Consider whether you prefer in-person / classrooom or virtual training, as well as the duration and frequency of the course. Choose a format that suits your schedule and learning preferences.
- Course materials and resources: Assess the availability of course materials, resources, and support systems provided by the training provider. These resources can enhance the learning experience and provide additional value.
- Reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews and testimonials from past participants to gauge the effectiveness and relevance of the course. Feedback from others can help you make an informed decision.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you select a training course that meets your professional development needs and maximises your learning experience.
Conclusion
Instructor-led training courses are without doubt the best way to enhance any skill set. They offer personalised learning experiences, foster active engagement, provide immediate feedback and support, and enhance collaboration.
Investing in your own (or your employees) training is bound to bring many benefits. Remember, continuous learning is the key to success in today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape and there is no better way to learn than by being literally led through the process of learning new skills by a highly experienced instructor.
If you or your staff need to extend their programming skill sets, then you really should check out the Framework Training website. The number of courses they offer is truly amazing, so you are bound to be able to find just the one you need. And, if you are not sure their helpful staff are they to help.