There are so many training companies out there, all of us claiming to be the best at what we do. How do you choose?
One way The Bob Pike Group has set itself apart from others is by getting accredited as a continuing education unit provider.
While CEUs have an advantage for learners taking courses, IACET (the accrediting organization) has also allowed us to provide another way of showing that we're committed to becoming the best at what we do and proving that we're already very good.
About one year ago, we underwent a rigorous application and review process involving extensive hands-on evaluation and verification. IACET then benchmarked our policies and processes to make sure they matched up with the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training so we could proudly say, with authoritative proof, that our class designers and trainers are "best in class." [reference]
This means classes we offer have great substance and are effective in transferring the knowledge to our learners. It also means the certifications we offer have value and meaning.
"A lot of certifications are just a piece of paper and don't require participants to show any kind of knowledge gained from the course. There's no accountability beyond a person's attendance," said Scott Enebo, BPG training consultant. "With our certificates, we make sure that you understand what we've been modeling and what you've been experiencing in the classroom. We also have an online assessment after to ensure you were fully present, paying attention and participating."
In early February, BPG will be offering a one-week certification that is focused on facilitation. The five days consists of two courses and one-on-one time with the BPG instructor. Participant-Based Presentation Skills and The Art of Facilitation will be offered together at a discount of over $1000 on regular prices.
"Usually with our certifications, those pursuing these have to wait awhile before the next relevant course is offered. With Facilitation Week, you can focus on it, get it all done at once, and connect with the instructor while the learning is fresh," Enebo said.
Facilitation Week focuses on platform skills such as how to use your voice and body to convey your message and be more engaging as presenter. "It answers the question, 'How does one actually behave like a participant-centered presenter?'" Enebo said. The fourth day of the week provides the learners with practical tools to draw out the experience of a group of people.
The last day is a half-day of consulting and workshop time for learners to hone their projects and have the instructor answer any lingering questions. "One-on-one time with the training consultant helps lock learning in. Participants can even take some of their projects and have the BPG instructor help them implement the tools they learned. This half-day is perhaps the most valuable of the whole week as it ties everything together, helps learners create action plans and really apply the learning to their specific jobs."
For more information on Facilitation Week and what's in it for you, click here.
BPG also offers certification for Design, Delivery and Virtual Training. CEUs are available; for more information on those, click here.
