TRAINING
IN THE FINAL OF A SERIES OF ARTICLES, PAUL McCORMACK, INNOVATION MANAGER FOR BELFAST METROPOLITAN COLLEGE LOOKS AT HOW TO STIMULATE DEMAND FOR DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING… Continuous learning
F or industry, the results of a better skilled and equipped workforce can be measured in enhanced competitiveness, reduced time, increased productivity, and significant agility. For the individual learner, the results of upskilling must be apparent, satisfying and meet their needs. Continuous learning is the key both for industry and the learner. It is critical if industry is to remain competitive and to ensure staff are effectively deployed. In today’s world the learning process takes place outside of the traditional classroom. As developed in the BIMcert projects (www.energybimcert.eu) and ARISE (www.ariseproject.eu), comprehensive engagement with the learner is paramount. Digital learning, micro modules and micro credentials are the new pathways employed to achieve this level of interaction to facilitate acknowledgment and recognition of the achievements and specific task-based skills of the learner. DIGITALISED TRAINING The development of ‘chunking down’ courses into micro modules of short duration, developing gamification techniques that reward the learner’s progress with credits including CERTcoin (the crypto currency of learning) that
CONCLUSION Identifying the main problems faced by the construction sector including, hesitancy to engage in the digitalisation process, diffidence to innovate, and resultant skills shortages are part of addressing the issues. However, finding solutions to the issues is more important and difficult to execute — especially when the issues have concomitant solutions. It is vital in addressing these issues that the proposed solution engages with all actors in the process, industry and the individual and creates a skills environment that addresses the issues and provides a methodology that recognises the need to address the differences. BELFAST METROPOLITAN COLLEGE Belfast Metropolitan College is a major provider of skills and training support for the built environment. This is achieved in collaboration with a wide network of stakeholders and partners including the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the public sector and industry. For more information regarding courses, call: +44 (0)28 9026 5265 email: studentportal@belfastmet.ac.uk or visit: www.belfastmet.ac.uk
can be exchanged for digital badges or micro credentials creates a demand/ reward window that maintains learner engagement and avoids the learner from becoming distanced. In short, the application of digitalisation is revolutionising the learning process. It allows companies to deliver learning in a box. This process democratises the learning process, allowing the learner to set the pace and direction, improving their skills, and maintaining continual engagement. They are now leading their own journey, taking short career- orientated courses at their own time and pace. This micro approach overcomes many of the previous time, location, and cost barriers that previously prohibited learners from engaging. This approach also meets with support from industry. No longer do they have to ‘release’ staff for days or weeks on end to attend courses or training. Through continual industry alignment via the Skills Strategy Compass, Belfast Met’s ARISE project is developing a skills training/job requirements architecture where the courses are not only task based but will be further enhanced to allow for user-generated content bring the construction lessons directly from the site into the learning.
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