EDIT Training psi july21_PSI_mar15 28/06/2021 17:50 Page 2
TRAINING
Learning in lockdown While schools have been able to teach in person during the lockdown period, technology training sessions for installers have been considerably affected. We talk to one provider to discuss the impact of the last twelve months on the delivery of technology training or any manufacturer of security systems, training is a key part of its support programme to help enable installers to get the most out of its technology, ultimately for the benefit of their customers. The restrictions of lockdown have meant that face-to-face and hands-on training have had to be replaced with virtual learning and while we have now become familiar with this scenario it has meant a change in the way that content has been delivered. PSI spoke to Steve Woodbridge (pictured right), Global Training Manager at Paxton, to find out how the company has managed courses during the pandemic and how it has led to a new way of thinking about support.
F
Adapting training One of the interesting plot twists in talking to Steve about training during a pandemic is that in 2020 Paxton developed a number of systems to enable companies to work and operate during the Covid restrictions, and yet those same restrictions impacted the technology training courses to familiarise installers with the systems. Fortunately the team was able to quickly develop a training delivery programme to suit. “At the beginning of 2020, before the start of the pandemic, our trainers had a busy schedule of practical training sessions available globally,” recalls Steve. “Once restrictions were put in place, we quickly adapted our training offering, developing further options to provide our installers and customers with the best possible support. “The access control and video management systems we manufacture are well placed to help during the pandemic and assist in the safe return to the office and public spaces for Paxton system users. Providing flexible learning opportunities for our installers, and training them on how to employ these features, has been vital to enable them to assist their customers and businesses through this difficult time. “To make this as simple as possible, we designed a virtual training programme which has been well attended week on week since the
www.psimagazine.co.uk
first UK lockdown. We have also started to produce more on-demand content for the Paxton Learning Portal. This is so installers can get the latest product updates and installation information in their spare time, at their convenience.”
Hands-on As an installer you will know that nothing can compare to getting hands-on experience with products in order to learn every nuance of the kit and to be able to deal with any situation that might arise during the contract. For training providers this has proven a headache to deal with, but the advances in e-learning have enabled engagement with students. “Over the last year we have learnt a lot about how to offer a more a hands-on experience in a virtual learning environment,” reveals Steve. “Our training has always focused on providing practical learning using our products, and nothing could replace that hands-on experience of the systems. So, replicating in-person training in a digital world has been the focus of our training team, as we found that sessions which are involved and socially engaging help to facilitate learning.
“Providing flexible learning opportunities for our installers, and training them on how to employ these features, has been vital to enable them to assist their customers and businesses through this difficult time”
39
