Chamber Training

Introducing John Legge, longstanding trainer at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

John Legge, trainer delivering IT training on behalf of the Chamber, details how technology in virtual training has changed for him over the past two years.

John Legge (JPL) has delivered the Chamber Excel and other Microsoft training for many years but over the pandemic, it became mainly virtual. We found the Webex platform of video conferencing worked well in our business and so continued with this for the Chamber training. With almost all the training being Excel based for the Chamber, we have found the simple sharing of our worksheets with the trainees very effective virtually and it has meant that we’ve been able to really expand our reach, training more people from more businesses. Faced with a challenge like no other at the beginning of the pandemic, we were surprised to learn that with the simple purchase of a good quality webcam, speakers, microphone and two screens, it worked well! It is possible to be trained with just a single screen but just means more alternating between windows. In our own business we have also engaged more with social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter and regularly post blogs and YouTube videos onto our web site The dual method of training has also caused us to re-evaluate methods of learning experiences, like questioning, regular reviews of topics, feedback, breakout room where you work in pairs, numbers in the class. For larger groups virtually, we tend to ask trainees to use the ‘reactions’ more – for example, thumbs up, hands raised for questions whereas in the class room on site it’s the usual interactive questions and answers all day long. Feedback has been good on all counts and long may both mediums continue!

Technology in the workplace is here to stay

As Covid related restrictions recede, the pandemic has undoubtably changed the way in which businesses operates and engage with customers and stakeholders.

Hybrid and flexible working environments are increasingly becoming the work pattern of choice. Technology has transformed the workplace and the world we live in, as well as the way in which we learn, collaborate with our teams, and engage with our audience/ customers. There are many reasons why companies are choosing to incorporate tech into their leaning and development strategies; though there are cost implications involved in this type of investment, at a time where many businesses face financially barriers due to the crisis with the cost of learning. Ultimately, investment boosts productivity in companies of all sizes. It can also reduce costs and improve profitability and allows for growth. There is a shift in attitudes towards learning in a virtual environment. Technology is rapidly heading towards gaming, Learning Management Systems, and virtual reality learning experiences, that create diverse and inclusive learning opportunities for all, by promoting personalised learning. Employees can take advantage of bite-sized learning courses at a time and place that fits in with the individuals’ working schedule, letting the employee manage their own time spent completing mandatory and non-mandatory training, which is not restricted by location or office hours.

We need to be mindful of the next generation entering our workplace too and their preferred learning styles. Adopting a flexible learning programme where technology supports individuals style of learning will ultimately lead to better engagement and increased productivity in the workplace. Social media platforms have introduced self-directed learning providing free online micro modules on work related topics that spark curiosity and allow the participant to engage in learning in a fun and interactive way. Use of technology allows for interaction on a social level too, amongst peers and co-workers. Millions across the world are interacting on their mobile devices to learn or participate in rising trends in whatever piques their interest.

And then there’s rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to the UK Government, Artificial Intelligence is “the analysis of data to model some aspect of the world. Inferences from these models are then used to predict and anticipate possible future events.” It’s daunting to think that the Metaverse and the world of AI (Artificial Intelligence) will be thrust upon us in the not to distant future. Love it or hate it an increase in the use of technology in the workplace is here to stay!

What new technology does is create new opportunities to do a job that customers want done.

Tim O’Reilly

Training & Development

January Courses Dates

Stress Management and Resilience

Tuesday 10 January, 9.00am-12.30pm £90+VAT Members / £110+VAT Non-members Location: Online

Managing People in the Team

Tuesday 10 January, 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £2000+VAT Non-members Location: Online

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Wednesday 11 January, 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

Fire Marshal Training

Wednesday 11 January, 9.00am-4.00pm £90+VAT Members / £110+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR

Tuesday 17 January, 9.00am-11.00am FREE for Members / £100+VAT Non-members Location: Online

How to use Microsoft Teams Effectively

Tuesday 17 January, 9.00am-12.30pm £90+VAT Members / £110+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

7 Steps to Closing the Deal

Wednesday 18 January, 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

Introduction to Project Management

Thursday 19 January, 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Online

Introduction to Microsoft Excel

Tuesday 24 January, 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Online

Canva - Simple and effective designs for digital marketing

Tuesday 24 January, 9.00am-12.30pm £90+VAT Members / £110+VAT Non-members Location: Online

Mental Health First Aid (1 day)

Wednesday 25 January, 9.00am-4.00pm £200+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

Effective presentation Skills

Monday 30 January, 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

February Courses Dates

Role of the Team Leader

Wednesday 1 February, 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

IOSH Working Safely®

Thursday 2 December 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

An Introduction to Finance for the Non-financial Manager

Tuesday 7 February, 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

Successful Telesales

Wednesday 8 February, 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

Excel Masterclass

Thursday 9 December 9.00am-15.45pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

An Introduction to Digital Marketing

Tuesday 14 February, 9.00am-11.00am FREE for Members / £110+VAT Non-members Location: Online

Intermediate Microsoft Excel

Tuesday 14 February, 9.00am-16.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Online

Emergency First Aid at Work (one day)

Wednesday 15 February, 9.00am-4.30pm £90+VAT Members / £110+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

Professional Telephone Techniques

Wednesday 15 February, 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Hereford

Digital Reporting & Google Analytics

Tuesday 21 February, 9.00am-12.30pm £90+VAT Members / £110+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

Train the Trainer

Tuesday 28 February, 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members / £200+VAT Non-members Location: Worcester

We would like to hear from you!

Whilst continuously expanding the training offering, the Training department are always looking for new ideas for courses. It’s great to understand what topics will be most beneficial to local businesses. For any suggestions, please email training@hwchamber.co.uk. More information about each training course and upcoming dates can be found on the Chamber website - hwchamber.co.uk/events-and-training-calendar