The Power Of Incorporating Online Training Apprenticeships Into Your Corporate eLearning Program
Online training apprenticeships offer corporate learners the rare opportunity to attend training with experienced professionals. Better still, they can broaden their skills and task mastery from anywhere in the world, whenever it’s most convenient. Online training apprenticeships may also involve branching scenarios, online training simulations, and other real world online training activities. The primary goal is to help individuals succeed in their chosen field and fulfill their professional goals. Here are the top 4 benefits of online training apprenticeships, followed by 4 valuable tips for using them in your corporate eLearning strategy.
4 Benefits Οf Online Training Apprenticeships
1. Remove Geographical Limitations
Industry experts aren't centrally located in one region of the world. So, how do corporate learners get the information and firsthand experience they need? The solution is online training apprenticeships that don’t depend on geographical limitations. They can use web conferencing software, mobile messaging apps, and a variety of other online platforms to stay in touch. In fact, sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google Groups take online training apprenticeships to the next level. Employees can reach out to a multitude of professionals who can share their experience and insight.
2. Reduce Training Costs
In typical apprenticeship training programs, organizations have to pay for travel expenses, accommodations, and site rental fees. Online training apprenticeships eliminate all of these costs by moving everything onto the internet. Companies don't even need to pay for printed training materials, as all of the online training content is on the online training platform.
3. Provide A Broad Range Of Online Training Resources
From interactive scenarios and serious games to virtual presentations, employees have access to a variety of online resources. They can login to the online training platform and immediately view product information, task tutorials, and skill-based simulations. In essence, they get the personalized online training they need, regardless of their preferences or learning needs. Many online training apprenticeship courses are even going mobile, which allows for greater flexibility.
4. Reduce Training Time
Online training apprenticeships don't have to stick to a schedule or rely on face-to-face meetings. Therefore, employees can get the skills and information they require more rapidly. This translates into more time on the job and less in the training room. They don't have to worry about finding someone to fill in while they apprentice, because the online training is designed to fit into their schedule. A side benefit of this is improved employee satisfaction and retention. Rapid online training leads to happier employees, and happier employees are more likely to remain with the company.
4 Tips To Incorporate Online Training Apprenticeships In Corporate eLearning
1. Pair Learners With An Online Mentor
Many employees still need that one-on-one support from an expert in their field. This is the person they turn to when a problem arises or they require more information about the task. For example, how long the process should take or tools that can help them be more productive. Online mentors can communicate with employees via online conferencing platforms, social media, or instant messages, just to name a few. Traditional apprenticeship programs involve face-to-face mentoring sessions. But corporate learners can still receive the same benefits thanks to modern technology. It's crucial to set some ground rules up front. For instance, how they will communicate and how often, as well as what is expected from both parties.
2. Use Realistic Scenarios To Impart Real World Experience
Realistic scenarios allow employees to carry out real world tasks in a risk-free setting. They have the chance to see how the skills and information are used throughout the process; thus, putting the knowledge into context. It also enables them to practice every step of the process so that they can improve their technique. Online scenarios and simulations should be realistic and detail-oriented. They must include every component of the task, including sub-tasks and ideas that make the process more efficient. Mentors can also use these simulations to assess their performance and recommend additional online training activities or resources.
3. Include Self-Study Online Activities
The mentor-mentee relationship is an integral part of online training apprenticeships. However, employees should also have the ability to train themselves on their own. In fact, "independent practice" is a major component of the Apprenticeship Learning theory. This includes online self-assessments and interactive online training exercises that employees can complete whenever it suits their schedules. Employees can also return to these self-guided activities to refresh their knowledge and expand their comprehension. Likewise, mentors are able to evaluate the materials and identify areas for improvement. For instance, they might suggest articles or corporate eLearning videos for an employee who needs to broaden their skills.
4. Incorporate Specific Settings And Situations
Context is king in online apprenticeship programs. Employees are using specific knowledge and skills to complete a specific task. They may be able to apply the information in other situations, but process proficiency is the primary goal. One of the most effective ways to put your online training into context is incorporating real world examples and case studies. This also offers employee the chance to see how everything they've learned can benefit them in the workplace. For example, a success story that centers on related tasks or ideas can stress the importance of online training apprenticeships. Employees can see, firsthand, that all of the skills they've acquired are meaningful and relevant.
Successful online training apprenticeships rely on active participation and intrinsic motivation. Ultimately, both the mentor and mentee must be involved in the process and understand their roles. They also need to be doing it for all the right reasons. For example, building their skills and sharing experiences for the benefit of the greater good.
Are you interested in learning more about online training apprenticeships? Read the article Instructional Design Models And Theories: The Situated Cognition Theory And The Cognitive Apprenticeship Model to discover valuable tips for using them in your eLearning course design in order to impart practical knowledge within context.
