Years ago the organisation’s flagship training programme was a week-long residential event that cost a bomb. Then the norm became one or two-day programmes on or off site – depending on the budget. And that’s pretty much where we still are.

But in a world where the pace of communication is ever increasing and information is available on demand, we need to revisit the model. Several clients are looking at more accessible on-demand training in the workplace.

On-demand training

Typically we’re talking about very short – 45 minutes to two hours – bite size training sessions or modules covering a portfolio of subjects. A well-structured bite-sized training programme is like a sushi bar where you choose one or two individual morsels from the small plates that come to your seat.  But what are the benefits?

Buy-in

Well-structured bite-sized training gives everyone in the programme the choice over which modules to attend to fit their training needs. And because they have signed up for the course they arrive more energised, focused and receptive to the learning.

Efficiency

Shorter is better when it comes to matching the average attention span. And with tightly targeted subjects, attendees get straight to the point rather than having to work through a day or two to access the bits they are interested in. As the return to work is relatively quick, people can put what they have learned into action straight away – so no lengthy action planning at the end of the training.

Targeted

With a rotating timetable of sessions, people can find training they need when they need it. Short slots can be fitted more easily into the day so no-one feels they are being held hostage for hours on end. And because attendees know when they will be back at their desks to tackle mounting workloads, they are more focused on the learning they need to perform better.

Find out about a recent bite-sized training project for public sector managers.

Tags: bite-sized training, HR management, Public Sector HR
Posted by steve walker
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.