How To Make The Most Of A Training Course
You may be looking for a top-up course to learn a new skill and take your career to the next level. Or, it could be a training course that will enable you to launch a new career.
Whatever your reason, you should be looking to make the most of the opportunity. And luckily, there are several things you can do to enhance your training course experience.
1. Do Your Research
Before enrolling on any training course, you need to do your research. Thorough research will help you ensure you’re making the right choice. Keep your end goal in mind. For example, if you want to become a gas safe registered engineer, will the courses you’re looking at help you get there? Will they provide you with the chance to earn the qualifications you need?
A training course may be the start of a new career for you, so it’s not something you’ll want to rush into. Instead, after you’ve done your initial online research, read reviews and testimonials – find out what previous students thought. Then, call the training provider and ask them any questions you might still have. Before making any decisions, you should be armed with all the information you can get. That way, when you go ahead with a course, you’ll be confident you’ve made the right choice.
2. Be Punctual and Fully Committed
You’ve done the research and invested money into the training course; now it’s time to make the most of it. But, unfortunately, you can’t do that if you turn up late.
Now and again, there are valid reasons for lateness. The morning rush hour traffic may have been worse than usual, or your train may have been delayed, but perpetual lateness isn’t ideal. By regularly being late, you miss essential training time and practice and impact other people’s training process. Missing just five minutes each day can add up to hours.
Training courses are scheduled, and any disruption can severely affect your training experience and the experience and morale within the class.
If you’re guilty of poor time-keeping, before you snooze that alarm clock for the third time, remember your end goal. Remind yourself of the investment you’ve made in your future.
3. Get To Know Your Fellow Students
There are many reasons why getting to know those you’ll be training alongside is a great idea.
First and foremost, building relationships with those in your class can make you feel much more comfortable. With comfort comes confidence, so you’ll have no concerns or worries when speaking up and asking questions. In addition, knowing those around you can improve your training experience further, as having friends to call on can lead to a better understanding of the course content.
Not only that, but you can support each other throughout and after training. If you’re struggling, they’ll help and support you, and vice versa.
4. Pay Attention and Take Notes
When it comes to any learning, you must pay attention. Distractions such as talking to classmates, spending time on your phone, etc., will affect your learning and those around you. As a result, you’ll miss out on crucial information, with the worst-case scenario being that it could lead to failing the course.
While in class, take notes. According to The Learning Centre, “actively taking notes during class can help you focus and better understand main concepts.” Not only will notes help you better understand the material you’re learning, but they also provide you with something to refer to later. When reviewing your notes, you can ask your trainer to review them with you again if you’re unsure of anything.
5. Participate
Speaking up in class can be daunting, especially if you’re not 100% sure you know the correct answer or your question is relevant – do it anyway.
“Class participation is an important aspect of student learning.” (Source: EducationWorld)
Participating in your training course will help you, but it will also help your classmates and trainers. Answering and asking questions will help to improve your knowledge of a subject and increase your confidence. It also allows trainers to reiterate specific points and go into more detail about others. All of this will increase knowledge for the whole class. It’ll also help the trainers adjust and improve their instruction.
6. Ask For Additional Training Resources
Your training course should cover everything you need to know, but that doesn’t mean you can’t undertake some extra learning in your own time.
Ask your trainers if there is anywhere you can find extra resources, information or material. They may have some to hand or at least be able to point you in the right direction. Not only will this show you’re committed to your training, but it will help to improve your knowledge and skills. In addition, this extra knowledge will increase your confidence and improve your performance in exams and assessments.
7. Revise For Exams
A seemingly obvious tip but one worth remembering – always revise for your exams – regardless of your confidence in your knowledge and practical skills.
Start revising within plenty of time. Trying to cram all your revision into a few hours before the exam won’t give you enough time to understand it truly. Instead, plan out what material you will revise and find a revision method that suits you. If there is anything you’re struggling with, get in touch with your trainers. Give your trainers plenty of time to explain the material in detail to ensure you understand.
Revising will cement your knowledge and allow you to clear up anything you’re not 100% sure about. This will leave you feeling confident and calm going into your exams.
8. Take Advantage Of All Training Opportunities
As well as additional resources during training, your training provider may be able to offer further opportunities after completion. Opportunities could be additional training, workshops or online resources. It’s worth investigating what’s on offer to discover ways to further your education, knowledge and career.
For example, at Options Skills, we offer several opportunities for students once they’ve completed their training with us.
During our NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training, our students can enrol in our Job Club Workshop. The workshop focuses on the job market and provides CV and interview tips and techniques. We also offer the services of our career development team to assist students in their job search.
