Choose Your Training Provider

Price versus Quality when choosing an education provider

The above statement is often one that is thrown around when looking at purchasing products and services. You may purchase a pillow for $15 and have to replace it every 6 months because it is not as supportive as a pillow that costs $100.

For arguments sake let’s say that the $100 pillow lasts 5 years and therefore will cost you $20/year whereas the $15 pillow has to be replace every 6 months will therefore cost $30/year. In the long run the $100 pillow is better value and will actually cost you less money.

How can we apply the same theory to choosing an education provider? An education provider offers a service which and usually has a lot more points of difference to a pillow.

Before you sign on the dotted line and get started in your studies, ask yourself the following questions?

1. Why am I doing this qualification?
2. Is this qualification a complete change of industries for you?
3. Will you need a lot of support from a qualified professional?
4. Do you have any availability to a simulated workplace?
5. Do you work better in a classroom environment?
6. How do you learn? (learning styles play a big part in successful completion of your studies – read the blog also on this page)
7. If you are choosing an online course –
   1. Do you have a computer?
   2. Do you have access to the internet?
   3. Are both your computer and internet reliable?
8. How much time do you realistically have to designate to your studies?

Below is an example of responses based on Peter the aspiring plumber who is currently working in an office environment and wants to become a qualified plumber.

1. To become a plumber
2. Yes because currently I am working in an office environment
3. Yes because I have not completed any work as a plumber before
4. Not really because I am currently working in an office environment (unsure how the boss would response to pulling apart the kitchen sink!!)
5. I know from my Certificate III in Business studies I need to ask the trainer as I worked through my course
6. I have done a test and know that I learn best by Auditory (listening) Kinaesthetic (doing)
7. I don’t want to do a course online as I prefer the classroom
8. Currently working full time I wouldn’t have that much time as I would have to study on the weekend.

Using the above example Peter the aspiring plumber should look at a plumbing apprenticeship. The apprenticeship will allow him to practice his skills in an appropriate workplace. He will need to ask the question about the study requirements to ensure a classroom and qualified person will be provided.

Deciding to do further study is sometimes a life changing event. You may be looking to step up in your career or a complete change of industry. Whichever way you go make sure you put your needs first and choose a provider that will support you and provide value for money.

Written by Eliza Burrows

Compliance Manager