BUSINESS
Training
TRAINING: AVOIDING EXPENSIVE MISTAKES Training is one of the biggest investments in ourselves and our businesses. There are now more providers, delivery methods and price points than ever before, but how can we avoid spending our money on the wrong course? UNDERSTANDING THE TYPE OF LEARNING THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU
EXPLORE THE SYLLABUS THOROUGHLY It’s tempting to assume that if you already have
Different people learn best in different ways.
a level II qualification in your chosen modality
Some love reading textbooks, others are auditory
that a level III course will be made up of more
learners and many more learn best by watching
advanced materials, up to date techniques and
and doing. Choosing a course that is delivered in a
research and new ideas and material you haven’t
way that suits your learning style maximises your
encountered before. This is often not the case,
chance of completing the course successfully.
especially if you change provider. For example,
www.leadershipeastmidlands.nhs.uk/sites/
the content in a Master’s Degree in Business
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Administration is remarkably similar to that of
-%20Learning%20Styles%20Quiz.pdf has a
an HNC in Business Administration, yet the
useful free quiz that can help you discover your
former will cost many times more than the latter.
learning style.
Similarly, taking a course at a top US university
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROVIDER
is cripplingly expensive compared to studying at your local college, though you may learn the
The right provider is one which offers class sizes,
same things. Sometimes you pay a
learning methodologies and a syllabus that meets
premium for the connections
your needs, within your budget and timescale.
you make on a course or a
They should also have subject expertise, so
prestigious name. Think
think carefully before signing up with a learning
how many therapists
provider that offers minimal support or covers an
boast about practicing
astonishing range of subjects.
in Harley Street even
though they may just rent a small room for a couple of hours a week. If you don’t want to pay a premium for training that looks prestigious, then checking the course content thoroughly is essential. Any reputable training supplier should be able to share sample course materials and a detailed syllabus before you sign on the dotted line.
DROP-OUT RATES AND OTHER KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU PAY Some courses rely on students paying up then failing to complete the course to enhance their profit margins. Think of it as being like a gym membership; the gym may actually make more money from those who pay for a year’s membership upfront then quit after their second visit than they do from those that work out each day, using their equipment, showers and towels. This is particularly the case for low cost online courses, because people find it easier to walk away from something that they haven’t invested heavily in. Which are you more likely to abandon? A course that’s cost you £20 from Groupon or an Open University degree module that may have put a dent of almost £3000 in your bank balance? Before you invest in training, ask for information about how many students they have and what percentage complete the course and gain certification. Be wary of providers with high dropout rates as this can be a sign of a poorly designed or poorly taught course. Any reputable
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holistic therapist 2020
holistictherapistmagazine.com
