There are as many different training methods as there are training courses available. The method that will work best for you will depend on your age, your skill level, the subject being covered, your location and your natural learning preferences.

Face to Face

Many training courses are held in a classroom setting and involve face to face learning. This type of training is very effective for most subjects and is essential when learning involves practical aspects such as machinery or components.

Distance or Online

There is an increasing number of training opportunities being offered via either distance education or in an online setting. If you are a self-motivated person who is organised then these options may work best for you, but if you need to be kept motivated and find interacting with a group of people works well for you then you may want to keep clear of distance or online.

Main Types of Training

• Universities – training in a university setting where participants listen to lectures and attend classes
• Trade – vocational training is a combination of theory classes in a classroom setting and practical sessions where students are required to put the knowledge acquired in the theory classes into use.
• Workshops – workshop sessions are where a number of participants sit in a classroom but usually sit in smaller groups or in a circle. Ideas and information are then "workshopped" in the session.
• Seminars – seminars are usually held by bringing large numbers of participants together and then sharing information with them. It is unusual for tasks to be set as part of a seminar.
• Distance – distance training varies depending on the provider. Some distance courses are structured around information being given and then assignments being completed, others are more flexible.
• Online – online training is different from distance training as quite often classes are held with all students attending remotely but at the same time.
• Tutorial – tutorial based training is directly led training with a much lower student to instructor ratio, sometimes as low as 1 student to 1 instructor.
• Self Paced – self paced learning is where the student is given the materials at the start and is then left to complete the requirements in their own time, or at their own pace.
• Blended – most training courses use a combination of these methods. By using a range of these methods then it is more likely that all learner requirements are met.

Before deciding what training you are going to undertake, you need to stop and investigate the delivery method of the training. Take into consideration factors such as the time you have available: do you have days or hours, do you want to train over a long or short period and what timing suits you best. Most importantly, make sure the training will give you the skills and knowledge that you want, will it give you the qualification that you need? Of course, once all of this has been checked off you also need to check the price. Price can vary greatly from provider to provider so do your homework.