Flexible community services training is the provision of training using a variety of unconventional methods and strategies. Examples include distance learning, online teaching, self directed or self paced learning, and blended or mixed mode education. In a traditional college, learning takes place in a classroom setting. Classrooms offer an effective teaching environment, because students can engage with a subject matter expert for prolonged periods. This form of face to face teaching allows experts to convey their extensive experience and knowledge for the benefit of the students in attendance.
Nonetheless, with flexible community services training, students have the scope and freedom to customize an educational program to fit around their present life, work and education commitments. People can decide what subjects they wish to learn, and where and when the lessons will be held. This is an appealing and handy substitute for conventional classroom tuition. Online education enables students to access study materials remotely – regardless of what time of day it is, or the students’ location. This form of training is possible with educational resources delivered online, and complemented with hard copies. Often, for an extra fee, face to face support with teachers can be offered as well.
Taking a flexible approach to training methods and learning solutions, with the help of new technology, allows workplace problems — such as skills shortages among prospective employees — to be addressed. The modern workforce consists of younger people (‘Generation Y’), who often lack key skills that employers need. Also, there are other people, such as shift workers, and those who are switching careers or who are returning to work after an extended break. These people need to be able to acquire new skills in a dynamic and versatile way. Lots of employers are also turning to flexible training as a way of dictating the content, location and schedule of the education being delivered to staff.
Better still, students are not the only ones who enjoy the advantages of this type of teaching. RTOs (Registered Training Organizations) can acquire a competitive edge in education markets by offering versatile tuition options to customers. This might help those who work in remote, rural or regional markets.
In addition to this, employers can utilize flexible teaching to incorporate training into their organization in a manner that fits their operations. This way, they can avoid losing workers (and suffering extra expenses, due to reduced manpower) to time consuming training courses away from the office. For all the above mentioned reasons, flexible education methods are likely to make a big, positive impact on modern businesses.
