What are the most effective technical training delivery methods for clients?

1 Online courses

Online courses are a popular and accessible way to learn technical skills, offering a variety of formats such as video lectures, interactive quizzes, assignments, and projects. They also allow learners to study at their own pace, place, and time. Online courses can cover a wide range of topics from web development to graphic design, and they are typically affordable and convenient for busy schedules or remote learners. However, they require a reliable internet connection and a suitable device, can be isolating and lack social interaction and feedback, overwhelming due to the abundance of options and information, or low-quality depending on the source and instructor. To help your clients get the most out of online courses, you should assess their learning objectives, style, and level before recommending any course. Research the course content, instructor, reviews, and credentials to ensure its quality and relevance. Encourage them to create a realistic and consistent study plan and track their progress and achievements. Additionally, support them to find online communities related to their course topic or industry.

2 Webinars and workshops

Webinars and workshops are a popular way to learn technical skills, and they generally last from a few minutes to a few hours. They are delivered by experts, practitioners, or organizations in the field and provide information, demonstration, or instruction on a specific topic or skill. Webinars and workshops are engaging and interactive, allowing learners to ask questions, share opinions, and participate in activities. They are also timely and relevant, addressing current issues, trends, and challenges in the industry. In addition, they provide practical tips, tricks, and best practices that learners can use right away. However, they can be expensive and require registration or subscription fees; they may also be inconvenient for different time zones and availability; they can be superficial due to time constraints; and their quality and delivery can vary depending on the presenter and platform. To help your clients get the most out of webinars and workshops, you should identify their learning needs first; evaluate the session objectives, agenda, and outcomes to ensure its value; motivate them to prepare for the session; and follow up with them after to review what they learned.

3 Bootcamps and academies

Bootcamps and academies are intensive and immersive programs that teach technical skills in a short period of time, usually from a few weeks to a few months. These programs are designed to help learners gain practical and marketable skills that can help them land a job or advance their career in a specific field. Learners benefit from the comprehensive and structured curriculum, fast and effective results, guidance, feedback, and resources from instructors, mentors, and peers. However, bootcamps and academies can also be costly, demanding, selective, and not guaranteed. To help your clients get the most out of these programs, you should clarify their career goals, motivations, and readiness before enrolling. Additionally, compare the program curriculum, instructors, outcomes, and reviews to ensure its suitability and quality. Furthermore, coach them to manage their time, energy, and stress effectively while also assisting them to leverage their skills, portfolio, and network to pursue their career opportunities.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?