COURSE STYLE

The style of training is highly participative and based around the needs of the individual trainees. They are given plenty of opportunity to discuss and practice new skills, and are strongly encouraged to apply the skills to their workplace by Action Plans and a series of follow-up techniques.

PRE-COURSE

Before every course we speak to Training Managers where appropriate and the trainees to discuss their specific requirements, and to gain an understanding of the type of work they do, the environment that they work in, and the challenges that they face.

Recent research shows that support of trainee's line managers where applicable can have major influence on the effectiveness of training. It is highly recommended therefore, that any employed trainees discuss course objectives and their personal objectives for attending the course with their Manager.

Pre-course information which is sent to trainees includes a Delegate Introduction Form which needs to be completed and returned to AtLast! prior to the course, which helps us to ensure the training meets their needs.

STARTING THE COURSE

At the start of the course, personal objectives are highlighted again, and the point made that it is a joint responsibility between trainees and the trainer to ensure they get excellent value from the training, and take away a list of practical ideas that they can use in the workplace.

We also allow trainees to highlight areas of the course content that will be of most use to them, and whilst nothing is missed out, more time can be given to those areas that are of more value. For this reason a detailed timetable is not issued at the start of the course, although the trainer will have one as a guide.

DURING THE COURSE

Sessions are not lectures:

Not always true, but trainees are not given the option to switch off during the course, as they are fully involved in the learning process through question and answer sessions, group work and activities. AtLast! have found that this style of training helps to make learning easier to digest, and has received outstanding feedback as a result.

Reviews are an essential trainer's tool to ensure that the trainees are learning, and achieving their objectives, and several short reviews will be included each day, with a longer summary at the end of the day to include specific feedback from each trainee.

AFTER THE COURSE

The danger is that however useful and enjoyable the course may be, once the trainees return to work, other priorities take over, and only a small amount of learning is put into practice.

It is recommended therefore that within 2 days of returning to work, they discuss the course and how they are going to implement their Personal Action Plan with their Line Manager where applicable.

AtLast! use a number of techniques to remind trainees of the benefits of the course once they have left.