How can you integrate hands-on training into a larger program?

1 Assess your needs

Before you start any hands-on training, you need to assess your current skills, strengths, and gaps. You can use self-assessment tools, feedback from peers or mentors, or performance reviews to identify your areas of improvement and interest. Then, you can set SMART goals for your hands-on training, based on what you want to achieve, how you will measure your progress, and when you will complete your tasks.

2 Choose your methods

Incorporating hands-on training into your learning program can vary depending on the field, level, and resources available. Simulations are a great way to practice skills in a safe and controlled environment without making costly mistakes. Projects can help demonstrate creativity, initiative, collaboration skills, and technical knowledge. Additionally, mentoring from someone with more experience or expertise in your field can provide guidance, advice, and feedback to assist with hands-on training. Mentors can give access to resources and support as well.

3 Plan your schedule

Once you have chosen your methods, you need to plan your schedule for your hands-on training. You need to allocate enough time and energy for your tasks, without compromising your other responsibilities or commitments. You also need to balance your hands-on training with other types of learning, such as reading, watching, listening, or discussing. A good way to do this is to use the 70-20-10 model, which suggests that 70% of your learning should come from hands-on experience, 20% from social interaction, and 10% from formal education.