Companies are beginning to loosen the purse strings and are hiring once again. Industry experts are saying, though, that those who are the best at what they do will always have their pick of positions no matter how tough the job market. Thousands of people in the training industry have begun searching out ways to set themselves above the rest through additional higher education, specializing in specific areas and getting additional training certifications.
"Getting a certificate is a fairly fast way and inexpensive way to show your commitment to training excellence," said Scott Enebo, The Bob Pike Group training consultant. "It's a chance to 'kick it up a notch.'" However, Enebo warns that all certifications are not equal. Many are just an additional piece of paper with no real weight behind it.
"A lot of certifications don't require participants to show any kind of knowledge gained from the course. There's no accountability beyond a person's attendance," Enebo said. "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 December, 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.
