Maven Solutions was recently commissioned to research and compile a training directory on behalf of an ICT incubation programme. The brief required that we compile the directory using a variety of sources, including training resources provided by the members of the incubator and actively sourcing ICT training vendors for critical skills.
The programme participants had varying levels of expertise and subject matter requirements, so the focus of the directory was to include short courses that they could access in their own time, allowing them to learn at their own pace.
Blended learning
The ICT sector has generally adopted the “blended” learning model, which means that learning takes place via multiple delivery methods. This results in the development of complex training, communication and assessment platforms.
While all courses in the sector are now available online, the selection of preferred mediums remains a personal choice. Criteria include cost, location, time constraints, data intensity, the need for peer support, and face to face tutor engagement.
Our findings
As a team, we found it exciting to discover that the younger participants expressed the need to be able to engage with a lecturer. A deeper analysis of this requirement revealed that they had recognised that their network of peers was still relatively small and that they use the classroom based training to grow that network.
So, in addition to skills transfer, skills workshops also offer opportunities for networking and support. In addition, the inspiration attained through group engagement with peers, i.e. sharing war stories, has also been listed as an influencing factor in selection.
In reviewing the service providers listed, the following hidden costs were identified:
- Data demands (most courses are video lectures and data usage is thus high and expensive);
- Course certification costs (many of the courses offered are free, but if the learner wants a certificate of participation or certification these come at an additional cost);
- Mentor/coaching time restricted (additional time comes at an increased fee);
- Software license fees;
- Rand/US Dollar exchange rate;
- Access to case studies;
- Group size (team prices were cheaper).
Very few courses delivered a full turnkey service offering and the outcome desired by the participant requires a combination of courses.
