Instructor-led training: Maximise your team’s learning potential

Building a team of employees that are agile, adaptable and future-ready is one of the key challenges facing IT team leaders in today’s rapidly-evolving technical landscape. To this end, as organisations continually seek to develop their in-house cloud skillsets, the quest for the ‘best’ way to upskill and reskill team members in these complex technologies wages on.

That’s where instructor-led training comes in. Let’s take a look into why instructor-led training is not just another way of learning, but rather, a core pillar of an effective training strategy —one which can take your team’s training (and productivity) to new heights.

What is instructor-led training?

Instructor-led training (ILT), unlike its self-paced counterparts, offers a more high-touch approach to learning. Participants benefit from the expertise and real-world insights of seasoned instructors who guide them through more complex concepts, ensuring a deep understanding and thorough application of the material. Whether sessions are held face-to-face or virtually, instructors are there on-hand, ready to guide their students through the content.

It goes beyond the dissemination of information; it’s about fostering an interactive learning environment that engages participants in critical thinking and problem-solving. Through hands-on exercises, group discussions, and real-world case studies, learners are challenged to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, honing their skills and deepening their understanding. This active engagement reinforces the concepts and encourages peer-to-peer learning as well.

Why choose instructor-led?

Opting for instructor-led training ensures hands-on guidance, interactive engagement, and the opportunity for students to grow their network of like-minded peers. It’s an immersive learning experience that accelerates skill acquisition and knowledge retention. What’s more, it fosters deeper collaboration between students and instructors, making learning engaging and enjoyable. Let’s go a little deeper into the benefits of ILT:

Interactive and flexible learning activities foster critical thinking
One of the standout features of instructor-led training is its flexibility, allowing for tailored learning experiences to meet individual needs. Unlike self-paced or on-demand modules, instructor-led sessions can be adapted to the pace and learning styles of participants, ensuring no one gets left behind. Whether it’s providing additional explanations, offering supplemental resources, or adjusting the curriculum based on learner feedback, instructors tailor the learning journey to maximise its effectiveness and relevance.

Building community and networking opportunities
The sense of community and networking opportunities within training cohorts add immense value to the overall learning experience. Participants have the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects, enriching their learning journey through diverse perspectives and shared experiences. This sense of camaraderie not only enhances motivation and engagement but also lays the groundwork for valuable professional relationships that extend beyond the training room.

Human interaction enhances engagement and knowledge retention
Perhaps most importantly, this collaborative and ‘human’ approach plays a vital role in engagement and knowledge retention, making instructor-led training a valuable investment in employee development. The ability to ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in meaningful discussions with instructors and peers fosters a deeper connection to the material and promotes long-term memory retention. This interpersonal dynamic creates a learning environment where participants feel supported, empowered, and inspired to excel.

But what about self-paced learning?

With the rise of self-paced learning modules, webinars and online resources, the question needs to be asked: how do the learning outcomes compare between the two? While self-paced training, like AWS Skill Builder or Microsoft Learn, offers flexibility and convenience, it often lacks the depth of in instructor-led sessions.

Self-paced learning can serve as a valuable supplementary tool as part of a blended learning approach, or for providing foundational knowledge, but it may not fully meet the needs of learners seeking comprehensive understanding and greater practical application. Without access to a knowledgeable instructor to answer questions, give real-world insights and share their expertise, learners may encounter challenges in fully grasping complex concepts or applying them effectively in real-world scenarios.

Self-paced modules or on-demand webinars tend to be more focused on theory, with less opportunity for practical application. For cloud training specifically, when learning a new technology and how to implement new solutions, the opportunity to demonstrate these skills and access training labs to practise is essential. Otherwise, it’s like trying to learn to drive a car through watching a YouTube series.

Accelerate your team’s learning journey with ILT

Ultimately, the decision between instructor-led and self-paced training depends on individual learning preferences, goals, and resource constraints. But, for those seeking a transformative learning experience that prioritises hands-on guidance, interactive engagement, and community-building: instructor-led training emerges as the clear choice. It empowers individuals and organisations to unlock their full potential and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Why Choose Bespoke Instructor-Led Training?

At Bespoke, we take pride in offering a world-class instructor-led cloud training experience. Our expert trainers bring a wealth of real-world experience and practical insights to every session, ensuring that participants receive top-notch guidance and support, and complete the training ready to put their new skills to the test. With a focus on interactive activities, collaborative learning and community-building, our instructor-led training programs set the standard for excellence.

Ready to elevate your team’s learning experience? Contact us today to book your instructor-led training with our expert team, and unlock your team’s full potential!