How the Construction Sector Can Use eLearning

Virtual training for construction employees is not much different than virtual training for corporate training, for example. Many of the delivery methods, platforms, and training development processes are the same. Instructional designers (IDs) and eLearning development companies can create bespoke training modules that cater to your style of management as well as your workers' professional needs and personal development. The construction sector can use eLearning as a sounding board for thoroughly training a new generation of construction workers.

As Baby Boomers quickly approach retirement age and Millennials take their place in the workforce, the need for new training is certain. This generation of construction workers is looking for career growth, personal development, and a balanced work-home lifestyle. They might have high expectations, but the fact is that Millennials are super tech-savvy and very well informed. It stands to reason that they would require better working conditions and higher pay. Online learning can fill the skills and knowledge gap that the Boomers generation will undoubtedly leave behind.

Is eLearning For Everyone?

The short answer to that question is YES. eLearning is an educational tool that anyone in any industry can use to train their employees.

Big companies can draw huge benefits from using online learning to train their staff. IDs and eLearning development companies can create training modules that are specific to your proprietary processes, onboarding, and initiation rules. Prospective employees can go through the modules and only ask for help from your HR staff when needed. Current employees can continue their education and take refresher modules from the comfort of their own homes by using their own devices. Integration with eLearning platforms and on-demand learning is great for cutting costs and streamlining your workforce to follow the same rules and procedures every time.

Contractors and freelancers can also stand to gain by training their construction team through an eLearning platform, and it doesn't have to be expensive. While big companies can afford bespoke online training solutions, small and medium-sized companies can take advantage of virtual training by learning from the pros. Employees can hone their skills and knowledge by watching video tutorials, accessing gamified modules about health and safety, and cue into company values by going over work-culture modules.

Educational/Training/Consulting businesses that focus on the construction sector can create their own presentations, training videos, and learning modules to offer as an extra service to their clients. This applies specifically well if in-person training is not an option but the client still wishes to work with you. Having online learning content is always a plus and can get you ahead of the competition.

Ways to Use eLearning in Construction Training

Training Simulations

Construction companies can use training simulations to initiate new and seasoned workers into the mechanics of machinery and construction software. Cranes and lifting equipment, as well as earthmoving equipment, have specific functions and usage methodologies. Your Instructional Designer can create specific modules for each of the heavy machinery your team needs to work on.

Mobile Learning

Construction projects can have unforeseen downtimes and this translates into wasted time and money for both you and your employees. Enabling your workers to access online training via their mobile devices ensures they can maximize downtime time and learn new concepts. Also, they can be enhanced with innovations such as augmented reality and gamification.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality can be used to train construction workers on various scenarios they might encounter in the workplace, such as site inspections or equipment operations. VR modules are a risk-free training option and employees can learn various ways of dealing with potentially dangerous situations.

Training Videos

Video content delivery is one of the most efficient methods of employee training. Since most of us are visual learners, offering training videos led by industry experts can increase your workers’ knowledge, skill base, and productivity on the job.

Serious Games

No amount of information is passed easier into long-term memory than that which is learned through play. Serious games help increase learner retention and bring the fun back into learning. Training on construction compliance can be more engaging by being delivered as a game where the employee can earn points and rewards for mastery.

Conclusion

eLearning training programs and modules can be adapted or created for the construction industry, specifically. By enabling online learning you can streamline skill-building and construction knowledge so that every member of your team is on the same page.

For more information on this topic, get our free eBook Constructing a Safer Workplace with Virtual L&D today. If you are interested in speaking with our team about your online training needs, please contact us to get started.