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Training Costs: Instructor-Led vs. Self-Paced
The range of options for software skills training extends from instructor-led training to individual, self-paced training. While a strong case can be made for any type of training during a software roll out, the cost of that training must be kept within a realistic budget.
The True Cost of Training
The real cost of software training has two components: direct and indirect. The direct cost is the actual cost of the training itself. For instructor-led training, this would be the price of the class. For computer-based or online training, the direct cost would be the price of the training licenses or access licenses. The indirect costs are derived from the labor hours that the employees spend in the training. For example, if 200 employees spend three hours in training, the indirect cost is the equivalent of 600 labor hours. As you might expect, indirect costs can easily exceed direct costs, and it is important to understand this fact when estimating the true cost of a training program.
Both instructor-led training and self-paced training can be effective. However, instructor-led training is almost always the more expensive option, with a much higher direct cost per student. When indirect costs are included, the difference is even greater. This is because self-paced training allows faster learners to move through the curriculum more quickly, which means that they spend less time training. In contrast, instructor-led training proceeds at the pace of the slowest learners, which translates into more hours in the classroom for everyone.
Instructor-led training requires employees to fit the training sessions into their existing schedules, which can be a problem when an employee is out of town or already over-booked. The usual solution is to schedule at least one make-up session, at an additional cost.
Self-Paced Training: Flexible and Cost-Effective
In most scenarios, and especially when working with a tight budget, self-paced training is the clear winner. It also offers additional advantages in terms of scheduling flexibility and in providing ongoing training for new staff members as they are hired.
For a complete list of ReCor self-paced training options, click here.