Learning and recruitment are coming closer together to benefit the student, and it seems to make sense. A range of online training course delivery platforms are at the forefront of this change, with the United Kingdom especially having a burst of solutions and organisations offering different pathways and programmes. Many online course organisations adopting this approach, commonly based in the UK, are prime examples of this movement or shift towards an emphasis on learning outcomes over delivery.

Why is recruitment becoming more attached to training courses, and why now? Let’s run through some of these key questions and topics to understand this a little better.

The Role of Online Training

Why do we enrol on educational courses, why would you invest your money in any course, really? The obvious benefit would be that it leads us to new or better career opportunities, right? One of the essential success factors of training is to keep us engaged, helping us see the training through and maximise our investment. Unfortunately, according to the Frontiers: Persistence and Dropout in Higher Online Education article, only about 15% of learners complete their qualifications.

One of these emerging online course providers, Career Smarter, says training should be a positive step or building block for learners looking to start a career. Courses should build solid skills and provide the foundation of knowledge required by the targeted industry in which you want to work. Likewise, current professionals should be able to rely on training providers to fill skills gaps, validate skills to employers, seek new opportunities or senior roles: all necessary components to climbing the career ladder.

How learning influences recruitment

Finding a job is an art but is a process that can be mastered with experience. Having candidates with recognised qualifications and certifications can significantly influence this process and the outcomes of job applications and interviews. According to PayScale, 91% of hiring managers say it’s an important factor they will consider when deciding whom to employ for a role. Certifications also show employers that you are serious about your career and professionalism, making what you earn a more serious discussion and aligned to your presented credibility.

That said, certification isn't always everything and finding roles with recruitment services is always going to be possible. However, it should always be clear that your learning and approach to continual development will likely influence recruitment and your ability to negotiate.

“Job programmes” for jobseekers

Enter the job programmes. As we discussed the fact that online education doesn't always deliver and that many students fall short of earning their qualifications, the question now is: How can this be addressed? Online training companies are beginning to merge recruitment principles into their training courses, proving a pathway or programme to maximise success and challenging that shortfall.

These programmes are designed more for entry-level professionals, those with no previous experience who are looking for support with the basics of job outreach, including guidance with improving your CV and LinkedIn optimisation. They cover the basics such as checking for spelling mistakes on your CV, showcasing your skills and newly acquired certification, and adding a few relative keywords for candidate databases. They also teach how to work on your LinkedIn profile to showcase your professionalism and leverage the communication channel to engage with prospective employers, relative employment groups, and hiring managers.

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Why are we seeing this now?

Training companies seem to have sensed this market shift towards students wanting faster turnaround times into work. Students with smaller budgets than those required by universities have welcomed these programmes, and the confidence of a guarantee. With the world moving faster towards technology, and turnaround time expectations always being shortened, it does make sense that we’re evolving and chasing the outcome more directly.

What is the difference between a course and a job programme?

Are you looking for a training pathway that takes accountability for your career outcomes, or your course fees back? This is the solution training providers are coming up with for jobseekers and learners, and this approach to learning is beginning to boom in the UK.

The difference between a course and a job or career programme is that the programme groups together several courses and builds on that with recruitment services to showcase your course achievements with the ultimate goal of finding a job. Both options aim to improve your career prospects, but one is more accountable for the job outcomes although it may have more steps required.

Could this address the dropout rates?

Learners are unique in many ways, and any individual could need more support than others, so programmes like these may definitely work for some. Current professionals can typically benefit from training courses, looking only to validate current skills for promotion, fill skills gaps or complete training needs required by employers. While job programmes are typically designed for entry-level candidates and possibly career changers, it’s not always a given that success is on the horizon without complete commitment from the learner.

Will online courses alone help my job search?

Absolutely. Hiring managers are familiar with industry standard certifications, and in numerous instances these may be even more relevant than a degree. Certifications are typically built around a specific need, understanding a project management method, or having a solid foundation of knowledge for a specific role. These specific skills with a shorter completion time will put you into employment quicker, offering you work experience earlier and setting you apart much sooner.

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Learning Summary

Whichever educational solution you follow, it should always make a positive difference in your career and life. Improving yourself and your ability to overcome daily tasks is empowering and something that should be supported and promoted to all learners.

Likewise, whether you are a beginner with no experience, or a seasoned professional, online training should always present you with an opportunity for further personal development.

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