Adapting to the fast-changing workforce - The importance of innovation in the training industry

By Gavin Taylor, VP Global Sales and Strategy, 3t Energy Group

Despite e-learning being a mainstay of training delivery for a number of years, there has been a recent - and significant - shift towards more self-initiated and instant access content via mobile devices and smartphones. With the global pandemic accelerating the adoption of technology, both the training providers and the workforce have had to adapt to this new environment to ensure continued skills development and compliance with industry standards. As delegates lean towards digitised training offers, training providers have to be increasingly innovative in their thought process to accelerate product development by working with industry stakeholders and accrediting bodies, in order to accept and adapt to the new ways of learning.

The way delegates want to consume their learning is constantly evolving and the rapid advancement of technology has allowed for a greater use of blended learning solutions, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and gamification. The complementary nature of traditional and digital training methods through a mixed approach has never been more accessible. This blended approach enhances the user experience by increasing engagement and retention, and the accessibility of technology via cloud-based solutions not only simplifies access to content to a huge extent but also helps to reduce delivery costs.

The significance of innovation

Change is a constant in the training sector and innovation is the key to staying at the forefront of learning delivery. 3t Energy Group’s very essence is about Transforming Training with Technology. We really embraced the opportunity to be creative in catering to our clients’ complex needs, by providing holistic services and technologies that all work together as one harmonious eco-system.

In being highly committed to continuously advancing our technology, and quickly adapting to the new pandemic-driven reality, we ensured that we continued supporting our clients by bringing training into their homes. In addition to supporting our key stakeholders during the challenging times by supplementing the academic education of their learners in colleges and apprenticeships programmes, we also developed video-learning programmes, with a focus on improving our virtual learning and cloud-based solutions, allowing delegates to have the training at the tips of their fingers, regardless of their location.

Transforming training

Simulation and VR have been scientifically proven to significantly aid knowledge retention when compared to classroom delivery results. With its more immersive and engaging nature, and the quality of learning and improved knowledge retention, this technology is helping to create a safer, smarter and more efficient workforce.

However, despite the advances in technology and their additional benefits, the training industry does still require a blended approach. This allows learners to deal with real-life “live” scenarios and receive in-person evaluation. That’s why 3t offers a wider range of training solutions across our three main pillars - traditional training delivery, digital technology solutions and simulation. Our centres can accommodate the whole range of training needs, from market-leading classroom-based learning and innovative training grounds to virtual training, eLearning, video learning, VR, AR and R3 - our mobile knowledge retention tool. We also offer simulation capability for Crane Operations, Drilling and Well Control – available via either full-size assets or cloud-based solutions. Our learning delivery capability is underpinned by 3t’s market-leading workforce management solutions, including Training Management System (TMS), as well as competency management and learning management platforms.

The future outlook

Undoubtedly, there will always be a place for practical training delivery within the energy industry, but in order to cater to the modern, changing workforce, different learning methodologies and technologies must be incorporated, as virtual learning is definitely here to stay, forming a vital part of our delivery capability.

Read the latest issue of the OGV Energy magazine HERE.