Care training courses can be grouped in three broad categories: face-to-face, distance learning and digital. Choosing the ‘right’ training style depends on a number of factors. The individual preference of the learner is obviously the most important.
The decision might also depend on the type of learning being delivered; for example, whether it is a practical skill or knowledge-based. Realistically, it might also depend on what’s going on in the training provider’s business at the time and how much flexibility they have to release staff.
To help you choose, here is a summary of the main features of each style of care training.
Face-to-Face
For some people there is a significant difference in learning, say, correct manual handling techniques by reading about them, and being able to practise while guided by a trainer. Practical skills are sometimes best ‘learned by doing’ in a realistic training room environment.
Face-to-face care training is highly interactive. It can be run on a one-to-one basis or through groups that can collaborate or even compete. An experienced trainer will enrich the training with practical examples and answer questions from participants as the course progresses.
Effective face-to-face training relies on having a suitable room available – which isn’t possible in all settings – and on the ability to release staff in significant blocks of time. Individuals missing sessions can become problematic for compliance.
Redcrier face-to-face training courses are delivered by friendly, knowledgeable and experienced trainers. We employ regular standardisation procedures to maintain consistently high standards across all courses. Speak to us about our remote face to face sessions to help with social distancing during lockdown.
Distance Learning
Most Redcrier training courses are available as distance learning materials. These materials are retained by you and can be used to run training for your staff when it is most suitable. Courses can also be used for self-study.
Care staff, and care managers in particular, are busy people. Finding the time to attend face-to-face training isn’t always easy. Distance learning modules offer a way to fit training around work and home life. Some distance learning can create hurdles through the length of time required to complete courses or through lack of substance by relying on multiple choice questions. However Redcrier material uses qualitative questions and answers adding rigour to assessment.
Learners can also control the pace of the training and have the freedom to go back and review individual sections if they need to reinforce key training points.
Digital Training
Digital training (or e-learning) is growing rapidly in popularity. As well as the convenience of taking training at suitable times, digital learning also offers flexibility of location. It works on any device. As long as there is an internet connection, training can take place.
Digital training offers an interactive learning experience that allows learners to test their knowledge as they progress through the course. Course content is made engaging through the use of video and interactive exercises. Certification can also be automated when learners satisfactorily complete online tests.
As effective and efficient as it is, it’s unlikely that you could satisfy CQC by delivering all of your training through e-learning. Also, some staff members may be less capable of using technology. It’s a question of finding the right blend of styles for your organisation.
Hopefully, this summary will help you choose the most appropriate mix of training styles for your needs. You can find more information here. If you want to talk through your options in more detail, just call the friendly team at Redcrier, who will be happy to discuss how best to navigate mandatory training requirements and specialist subjects.
