The term “training delivery” refers to how an organization presents learning initiatives to learners. Through over a decade of research, Training Industry, Inc. has found it is one of the key process capabilities of great training organizations.
Common Delivery Methods
Technological advancements have transformed how organizations deliver training. In today’s business environment, common training delivery methods include (but are not limited to):
Instructor-Led Training
Training Industry research has found that in-person instructor-led training (ILT) is still a popular way to deliver training, as it resonates with a majority of learners. Facilitated by an instructor, ILT gives learners the opportunity to ask questions directly throughout the program. However, it can be more expensive than virtual delivery methods in light of travel, meals, lodging and other costs.
Virtual Instructor-Led Training
Virtual instructor-led training (VILT) offers many of the benefits of in-person ILT (i.e., live, interactive training experiences) but in a virtual environment. The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 caused a boom in VILT, with a Training Industry pulse survey finding that 73% of learning leaders were delivering training virtually as of September 2020, compared to 50% before the pandemic.
eLearning
eLearning is another popular way to deliver training virtually, but unlike VILT, eLearning is asynchronous. It gives learners access to training when and where it’s convenient for them, making it a particularly popular delivery method in large, geographically dispersed companies.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) have emerged as a way to deliver immersive learning experiences. As they can effectively simulate realistic scenarios, VR and AR are often used for training employees working in high-risk industries, such as manufacturing and health care.
Of course, learning leaders are not limited to delivering training using a single modality. Taking a blended or a multimodal approach to training delivery can make it more accessible and engaging.
Why It’s Necessary for Great Training
Without effective delivery, even the most strategic learning initiatives will fail. Great training organizations deliver training in a way that resonates with learners, increasing the likeliness that they gain the knowledge and skills needed to improve their performance, and as a result, business outcomes.