Training is an important part of staying compliant and consistent in any industry. Not only does it keep your employees informed, educated and up to date on the latest requirements, but it also establishes your business as a trusted leading organization for your clients to consider.
But for any new training to make a real difference and leave a lasting impression, the learning method needs to be right. But what is “right” when you have to consider the needs, locations and schedules of so many employees?
Technology has opened the door for new learning opportunities. With the online educational market predicted to reach $279.30 billion by 2029, this will only continue to increase.
For many companies and individuals, this means having the chance to upskill and stay one step ahead of industry standards without having to travel. If you’re planning to train a group of people all at once, you may be comparing training methods for group vs. individual safety training to determine which is best for your needs.
Group vs. Individual Safety Training
Whether you’re an individual exploring safety training opportunities or a business in need of a group training session for employees, you know everyone learns in their own way. But when analyzing the pros and cons of group vs. individual training, other factors need to be considered beyond learning preferences:
- Number of trainees attending
- Overall company goals
- Location of learning
- Cost of learning
- Cost of travel
Having new ways to get certified and qualified can be a big benefit for companies. Some organizations will love the idea of a packed room with employees learning in person, while others may prefer the freedom and flexibility of online training.
Getting qualifications or taking training courses as a group has limitations, but it also has many benefits. Sometimes, you won’t realize what works best for your needs until it’s too late. The pros and cons of group training vs. online courses below depend on your organizational goals, but they will help you narrow down what really matters in your training plans and priorities.
Pros of Group Training
The benefits of group safety training are:
Rapport Building
A group training setting in a physical location can bring everyone together and be a strong team-building opportunity. In time, this can help to foster a team that’s closer and more trusting of one another.
Key Collaboration Opportunities
An in-person course means that you all learn at the same time, side by side. While collaboration is also a benefit of online learning, in-person training can feel more instant and give your team an extra sense of unity and teamwork.
Efficiency for Large Groups of Learners
Organizations with a large number of employees who need to be certified may want to have them all done in one place at the same time. They may also want a learning experience that focuses on a specific area related to their industry. In instances like this, having everyone together to share the experience may be the preferred choice.
Structured Learning
People are held accountable for their learning in person. The person running the course sets the structure of the learning, and everyone follows suit.
Cons of Group Training
Group training sessions also come with some drawbacks, such as:
Getting Lost in the Shuffle
A room full of people can quickly become a distracting atmosphere with too much being said and not enough being learned. This can be a big problem in circumstances where the learning course directly affects employment, like certification or regulatory compliance. With so many people to consider, employees may get lost and not take in the information.
Group Dynamics
We all work and perform differently depending on who is in the room with us. For example, a quiet team member may feel intimidated by some of the louder voices in the room, leading to withdrawal and not being fully invested in their course.
Availability and Space
In-person learning tends to have limited space and strict attendance dates. This can make getting everyone trained up as a group something of a hurdle. You may also encounter a cramped and overbooked learning space.
Commutes and Associated Costs
Organizing the necessary travel and accommodation costs for all of your employees soon adds up. It may also cut into your productivity if necessary employees need to go out of town for training.
Pros of Online Course
Many organizations are shifting to online safety training courses for their employees because they offer many benefits, such as:
New Avenues of Collaboration
While in-person learning also offers this benefit, online learning offers new ways to collaborate on discussion forums, share notes, and attend learning webinars. It also means having the chance to revisit learning materials for extra knowledge.
Flexibility
Online learning is less rigid than the set times of an in-person option. As long as time frames and deadlines for learning are met, employees can learn in comfort and at a pace that suits them.
Catering to Every Learning Style
No two people learn things the same way. Online learning allows all learners, from obsessive note takers to those who may need to absorb something three times to fully understand it, to feel confident in achieving success their way.
Cost-Effective Learning
An online course completely eliminates travel costs, accommodation and other expenses. All anyone needs is a strong internet connection and a quiet place to learn.
Efficiency
When employees need mandatory training in order to work, you want to ensure they can get started as quickly as possible. Online courses take less time out of your employees’ schedules, minimizing the impact training has on your operations.
Cons of Online Courses
When considering online training, keep these potential disadvantages in mind:
Distractions
An online learner may encounter distractions during their course, especially if working at home. Implementing rules on where to do online qualifications can mitigate this issue.
Individual Responsibility
Since online training happens on an individual basis, you may need to designate a manager or administrator to follow up with employees to ensure they complete their training on time.
Trust
An online course is an indicator of how much trust you have in your team. That trust will hopefully be rewarded, but it’s a test of the relationship between you and your employees.
Get Employee Certifications Through Hazmat School Online Courses
For businesses and individuals considering hazmat group training vs. online hazmat courses, choosing the best option is more than just a fleeting choice. At the Hazmat School, our remote instructors are available to individuals and organizations online seven days a week. We provide training for a wide range of industries, with a curriculum that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.
Browse our courses to get started today.
Manages Hazmat School’s E-Learning courses and blog. Kirstie has extensive experience in the online training and education industry. Kirstie has worked with courses that offer a variety of safety and environmental certifications that satisfy OSHA, EPA and DOT requirements.
