12 days!
If you found the response of 12 ridiculous please read on, if you are happy with the answer go forth and good luck with running your 12 day course.
Ok to some background to the question.
I’ve based this article on work, competency, proficiency or outcomes based training; choose the flavour which tastes best; it’s the same thing.
In a work context, competency based training aims to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to perform to industry level within a specific profession. This includes the ability of completing the required tasks to standards as well as working efficiently within the systems of the organisation and playing nice with others.
Commonly individuals engage in a training program and are assessed at the culmination of the training to identify their ability (or competence) against defined criteria. In Australia the largest sector specialising in this type of training and assessment is the VET (Vocational Education and Training) sector.
Ok so back to the question, how long should it take to train someone in a specific program?
Let’s use a concrete example (figuratively not that based from Portland cement):
Broadly the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment aims to “qualify” individuals as able to design, deliver and assess training in accordance to industry standard within the VET sector. So how long would it take for an individual to be able to learn and demonstrate these abilities?
Still want to take a punt?
A quick google search will reveal that this qualification is delivered anywhere from 4 days up to 12 months. I’m sure you can see the confusion to a new student researching this program. So back to the question what is the right answer?
The problem stems back to previous academic pathways, namely our schools and university. When we enter school or university the program’s durations are set- in Australia it is assumed that every person will require the exact same amount of time to reach the required outcomes; whether that is the graduation from school or a university degree. And whilst I believe this is a ridiculous concept it forms the basis of the majority of educational systems. I’m not even going to venture down the path that school is simply preparation for the 8 hour work week, but some interesting reading in that bookshelf. One good summary (and really well presented by the way) is the following: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U .
Glad you’re back as that video was much more exciting.
Right so in answer to the question; the duration of training should be based upon the gap between the learner and the required outcomes- simple!!!
Or is it? Yes it is! And it doesn’t need to be complicated at all.
Back to our earlier example: the Certificate IV Training and Assessment qualifies an individual as having the skills and knowledge required to design, deliver and assess in the VET sector.
So have a look on google or use your own thoughts and provide an answer below:
How long should the Certificate IV Training and Assessment Course be?
Once answered go on to Part 2 of How long should a training course be?
