Covid-19 has changed education and learning forever, and online learning is emerging as a winner amidst all the chaos.“The business model has been affected by the new world we are faced with,” says Juliette Fourie, CEO and founder of Metro Minds. “Our new products have expanded and diversified in many ways. All our accredited and formalised qualifications and skills programmes are now accessed through our online learning platform, eMinds.”This platform allows students to complete courses online or with a blended approach.“We have changed the methodology of classes into either fully virtual, hybrid or fully online.“Our offerings cater for students who can only attend after-hours virtual classes as well as master class sessions. In other words, instead of your traditional three-day course, we would run this over a few weeks with a shorter engagement. The retention of learning improves and application of the knowledge is more easily transferred into the student’s world.”According to Fourie, through the online platforms, customers can create their menu of training according to their specific needs and budget. “This way we become their internal academy for a set few days per month, paid with a f lat fee amount – regardless of the number of students attending.”What had, however, been concerning was the significant decrease in training, largely due to the slow economy, Covid-19 pandemic effect on businesses, local riots and destruction, and the lack of regular funding from the Transport Sector Education and Training Authority, she added.“There are so many external inf luences impacting on training at the moment,” she said, emphasising that skills development should remain a priority for businesses to be more competitive through their skills advantages and reaching their strategic plans. “Without looking at a skills strategy, the differentiation becomes lost. A business that differentiates itself by developing skills and workforce strategies aligned to business strategies and not compliance targets, is a business that has a competitive edge. It further explains the impact of a weak and strong fit between strategy and workforce differentiation.”Fourie said they had found that clients with increased training plans were those companies that were focusing on certain key outcomes from their strategic intent. “Traditional training might have decreased, but customised, shorter, and fit-for-purpose training has increased."Her advice to companies is to invest in training with a long-term perspective. “Partner with a training company like Metro Minds that can fulfil your skills strategies, execute the plan, and ensure compliances are achieved. Training is not an emotional luxury, it’s a necessity.”
