Once you've established that employees, or yourself, could benefit from learning more about specific topics, the next step is to find out which style of training suits workers and the organisation.

Training providers have introduced many new platforms concerning the way they deliver information, and researching the variety of options available will ensure that you schedule tutorials that suit both employees and the organisation. Many of the following training types can be mixed so you're able to tailor the perfect training-type for your organisation.

Office-based training

Quite often it's simpler to let trainers visit you on your own premises. Attendees do not need to spend time travelling to get to venues and instead remain in familiar surroundings. This means they may not have to take entire days off to take part in the tutorials, and vehicles do not need to be hired or expenses paid for many people if a large group is booked for the sessions. This is particularly beneficial if training concerns some of the programmes or equipment that colleagues use on a daily basis, as they can learn about the software or devices while the tutor is present.

E-learning

Boosting knowledge with the help of e-learning materials is increasingly popular. This gives learners the freedom and flexibility to go at their own pace. Additionally, they can plan their own tutorials and fit them around their busy days.

Online programmes are become very creative and web presentations are used with great success as part of e-learning. Firms benefit from reduced expenditure in some cases, as workers remain on-site to complete courses. Linking up with a training provider that offers expert guidance can strengthen this type of learning as problems or issues may be resolved by real-life trainers.

Off-site learning

When learning centres are conveniently located some companies find it preferable to send employees to off-site premises. Whether groups are large or small, these kinds of environments are designed so attendees can totally focus on the subject at hand. The centres also generally stock all the equipment and materials needed to cover all the topics thoroughly.

Events of this nature may involve attendees mixing with those from other firms, which could lead to staff making more contacts in the market you operate in. On the other hand, you may prefer to book closed sessions that are scheduled for just your company.

One-to-one sessions

Training needs are sometimes an individual matter, and if you've identified that you or a colleague would benefit from learning about a software application for example, then you're free to schedule bespoke sessions. Designing individual learning paths this way means that tutorials are directly relevant to those attending and help to cut funding wasted on sending many employees to sessions that cover topics irrelevant to them. Also, the impact of having a tutor teaching just one attendee is that there is lots of focus on the learner, so she/he gets undivided attention.

Expert guidance

Training needs are not always easy to establish. For example, you could find that some employees have an adequate working knowledge of a programme such as Excel. You may have gone over more in-depth aspects of the application but fail to see these ad-hoc sessions having an effect on their use of the software.

Some training providers send in their expert tutors to guide your employees whilst they are working. This acts as a guiding backup and allows your fellow colleagues to ask questions when necessary. If you require this expert knowledge at particular moments in time, then ask your training provider if they offer a drop-in service.