“COVID is a catalyst for a long-overdue learning innovation” Andy Lancaster, Head of L&D Content at CIPD.

COVID-19 has affected almost every area of business; from travel restrictions and importing goods, to furloughed employees.

How has COVID-19 transformed the future of Learning and Development?

Innovative Delivery Approaches

Technology is no longer an option, but a necessity.

Since the pandemic began, the nation has adopted a much more digital approach, from virtual team meetings to online training programmes.

This brings an abundance of benefits to learners, employers and training providers, including:

• Flexibility
  Virtual training is more flexible and therefore is easy to integrate into learners’ already busy schedules
  
  
• Affordability
  Virtual training is more affordable as it eliminates many expenses, such as the need for travel, catering and hiring a venue
  
  
• Organisation
  Virtual training is often easier to organise as the training sessions can be recorded, so absent learners can easily catch up

Global Skill Shortage

COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the way we work.

It has abolished previous jobs, altered existing jobs and created new jobs, creating a global skill shortage that will likely affect the world of L&D in many ways, such as:

• Higher demand for training
  The majority of the population has been furloughed or unemployed for months, meaning that employees will likely need training to reinforce their knowledge and re-strengthen their abilities.
  
  
• New training programmes
  In addition to reinforcing previous skills, the pandemic has created a demand for new skills, meaning that training providers may need to develop entirely new training programmes.

Slashed Training Budgets

One of the main concerns for businesses during the pandemic has been cash flow. 

Some businesses have had to reduce their training budgets to accommodate their other expenses.

This means that employers will now likely be looking for more affordable training.

There are several government schemes that can financially help UK employers who are looking to train their employees, including:

• Levy-funded training
  
  
• 95% funded training for SMEs
  
  
• Kickstart scheme

Post-pandemic Training Advice

If you’re looking to start training employees again and are looking for advice about training post-pandemic, there are many useful websites you can visit, including:

• CMI
  
  
• Training Zone
  
  
• CIPD

If you’d prefer to speak to one of our training experts to discuss your organisation’s specific needs and find the most suitable programme for you, click here to request a call.

“An organisation’s ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage.” Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric