THE blog of THE DGSA

Welcome to another edition of our blog! 

On this month’s blog, we shall look at the reasons why virtual dangerous goods courses exist, and what are the pros and cons of this training delivery method

Why does virtual training still happen? 

During the height of the COVID pandemic, the legal requirements surrounding the training of staff surrounding dangerous goods still remained.

It was therefore a task for us dangerous goods folks to come up with a solution to still provide training, but still remain compliant with the strict guidelines which were put in place, at the time. 

With this, during this pandemic, training via TEAMS became the new normal.  

What are the advantages of virtual delivery?

Well, in my opinion and experience,  I would say the most important factor to why most of our clients choose this option, is cost. Despite being a legal requirement, there are still costs associated with dangerous goods training.    With this in mind, virtual training offers an option that eliminates the requirements for costs associated with travel and accommodation.

Another advantage of virtual training means that delegates can learn from either their own workplace, at home, or anywhere with an internet connection. 

With virtual training, certainly on our courses, the learning style has been amended slightly and incorporates more interactive simulations, slightly more videos and more questions aimed to ensure that everyone is understanding the subject and also accommodates a more varied learning preferences. 

My final pro of virtual training, comes following delivery of courses all throughout the UK for many years, is that there are no geographical barriers, delegates can attend from anywhere in the UK and the course does not have one delivery location.  One course automatically springs to mind where delegates attended from Aberdeen, Glasgow, Newcastle and Great Yarmouth, all on the same course. 

What are the cons of virtual training? 

Over the years I know some delegates come to any of my dangerous goods courses and are looking to ask a burning question, or two. I think with virtual delivery, there is of courses a lack of social interaction. Typically during coffee and lunch breaks I enjoyed chatting and getting to know delegates in more detail, with virtual delivery, “ill see you back after our 15 minutes coffee break” is not the same, Face to face delivery certainly builds relationships more and also limits any networking. 

Another issue, that most of us who have ever used TEAMS or Skype, I am sure will have encountered, “technical issues”!!  The world wide web, internet and technology are fantastic, however when they don’t work and go to plan, they can be very frustrating and these issues have the ability to disrupt any learning experience. 

As mentioned above, although delegates can attend courses at their workplace, this can also have a negative impact on learning, namely being pulled into work problems, whilst on a course especially during coffee breaks. 

Finally, with virtual delivery of dangerous goods courses, I feel that the level of immediate face-to-face interaction for clarifying certain aspects or concerns, don’t always come to light, in a classroom, delegates would have many ways to grab attention however with virtual options, these are very limited and some delegates choose to not say anything, with the fear of disrupting the other delegates.

So what option do I prefer, you may be asking? 

Well, as noted above, there are pro’s and cons and I will therefore remain neutral on this.  However what I will say, is that should you have requirements for training either in person, or virtually, we are here to help and look forward to hearing from you, whichever option you prefer. 

Until the next time…

Craig Franklin

Franklin DGSA Consultancy