Training formats: Define the most suitable one!

There is much talk today about the importance of having the right talent for the great challenges of today. However, it is not only important to find such talent, but it is also necessary to develop it . That is why corporate training is a priority for many organizations, becoming a fundamental pillar in their strategy for recruiting, attracting and retaining employees, as well as one of the key mechanisms for achieving business objectives.

In this new article, we tell you about the different training formats that you can use when training your team.

But first, let's learn about some of the benefits of supporting the professional training of a company's employees.

Benefits of corporate training

Training can cover a variety of areas, such as management, leadership, operational efficiency, or different effective sales techniques (among many others).

Some of its benefits include:

• Drives innovation : Continuous learning allows professionals to incorporate new knowledge and question the way they normally do things, motivating creativity and the search for new solutions to their daily challenges.
• Increase productivity: By helping employees expand their portfolio of skills and competencies, you are directly impacting the company's efficiency and competitiveness.
• Increases satisfaction: Seeing that the company is interested and directly invests in the development of its teams, employees feel more valued and motivated, thus increasing their evaluation of the organization and its performance.
• Enhances talent retention: Having these types of opportunities improves the organizational climate and the sense of belonging of employees.
• Facilitates change: By providing teams with the tools necessary for current challenges, the organization is better prepared to adapt and implement changes in an agile and effective way.

Training format options

Digital training

Among the training formats we find digital training, an option that has been increasing in recent times, especially for those organizations that have teams deployed around the world that work remotely. Among its benefits are the reduction of training costs, access to content from anywhere and at any time, the implementation of personalized learning paths and online progress tracking, among others.

Today, many of these platforms are supported by Artificial Intelligence, which allows evaluation processes to be more efficient and allows participants to resolve general questions quickly and directly.

Among the different sub-formats of this type of training we find:

1. E-learning : E-learning is one of the main types of online training and is based on content being shared completely digitally. These platforms offer interactive and simple content, as well as continuous support for different professional profiles.
   
   Within e-learning we can find a second category called Mobile Learning, which refers to courses that adapt to various platforms, being able to be accessed through cell phones, tablets and other devices without affecting the training experience.
   

1. Virtual classes: This format is based on a class given by a professional expert in the subject, only that it is accessed through the network . Thus, these can be:
   
   • Synchronous : Learning that takes place in real time with a teacher. This is a modality that allows students to participate with each other and engage in informational discussions.
   • Asynchronous: These take place in spaces where teachers and students are not required to interact at the same time.
     
     Both formats have several benefits. Therefore, it is important to know your team and your organization before deciding which option will have the greatest impact.
     
2. Webinars: This training format is based on the delivery of a specific and punctual class - or masterclass - on a topic. Thus, the expert leading the session delves into a subject, providing tools in a quick and concrete way to be applied later by professionals. These sessions also usually allow for public interaction, and often also include live surveys and other participation sessions.
   
3. Virtual coaching: This format provides a convenient and effective way to receive support and guidance from an expert. Through one-on-one sessions, professionals receive comprehensive advice on specific topics, receiving personalized and long-term attention to achieve the goal of a specific project.

On-site training

According to the latest Cegos barometer at an international level, 42% of the Latin American collaborators surveyed believe that one of the main qualities of a training is that it is “face-to-face and directed by a trainer”. This type of training is characterized by being carried out physically in a room or common space. Among its benefits we can find the connection between participants, group learning, continuous attention and the promotion of collaboration.

In addition, you must be an exceptional communicator , able to effectively communicate policies and practices to all levels of the organization . Creating a positive and collaborative work environment, based on trust and mutual respect, is one of your key tasks.

1. In-person classes: Classes taught live by an expert professional, where students can interact, ask questions and generate discussions. They may or may not include exercises to be completed both during the session and after it.
2. Experiential program: Training instance where participants are part of a comprehensive experience that includes both the delivery of content and tools through face-to-face classes, as well as exercises, simulations and other forms of experiential learning.
3. In-person coaching: A series of one-on-one sessions in a face-to-face format, where an expert meets physically with a collaborator to support them in achieving their professional goals.

Blended learning

All training formats bring with them great benefits, as well as certain particular characteristics that make them more or less adapted to the teams and their organizational dynamics. This is why many companies have chosen to use mixed methodologies when implementing their training programs, combining, for example, face-to-face sessions with digital content and assessments.

The traditional pay structure follows a hierarchical approach. In this case, employees move up the pay scale as they take on roles of greater responsibility. This approach is simple, but can lack flexibility.

Conclusions

When defining which training format will be used in your organization, it is important to always consider the different options that exist today in the world of learning and professional development. Thus, knowing the organizational culture and the collaborators, their strengths, weaknesses and preferences, becomes essential to select the most effective option, always considering the alternative of combining elements and methodologies.

However, an essential element necessary in all training formats is the expert who will impart and share the knowledge, as well as who will be in charge of the instructional design of the program in general.

At Cegos, we are training experts and have nearly 100 years of international experience in the world of corporate learning. We have a team of consultants and experts who can support you in finding the ideal format for you, as well as advise you and build a tailor-made solution if you prefer.