The nationwide lockdown caused by the Covid-19 outbreak has changed the way everybody goes about their day-to-day routine. The need for social distancing has dramatically changed people’s social and working lives. Remote working via online communication has become a necessity for so many workplaces as a temporary measure to ensure business can continue during this disruption.

At ESS, we’re always eager to adapt to changing situations in order to provide the best training possible to our clients. To this end, we are proud to present our new range of online video training courses to help provide learning during these difficult times.

What is online video conference training?

You might see online video conference training referred to under many different names. You may hear it being called 'video learning', 'virtual learning', 'remote learning', or other similar titles. Don't worry, they all mean the same thing. 

The best way to describe these courses is to think of them like 'virtual classrooms'. They're online, interactive lessons that act as a direct replacement for the face-to-face training courses which we normally provide. These courses are conducted by the same level of high-quality and fully-qualified trainer, although in this context they are referred to as an 'online learning facilitator'.

The LPI (Learning Performance Institute) describe video training as "live online classroom instruction, led by a facilitator in real time over the internet. The online classroom is characterised by group interaction and collaboration amongst learners under the guidance of a facilitator. It is essentially focused on the learner, not the instructor."

By their very nature, video training won’t work for every course. Practical courses which require hands-on experience with equipment simply can't be done this way. However, our team are at hard at work trying to get as many training courses available online as soon as possible. Keep your eyes on our website and social media to stay informed of any new additions to our online video training course list.

How do you use a virtual classroom?

Once you've paid for your course, setting up and joining your online training is simple. All you need to do is log-in to your session at the time provided to take part in the live training session. From here, you will be able to enter the virtual classroom with your facilitator and the other participants to start your learning.

To provide our video training, we use an app called Zoom. This software allows video conferencing for up 100 people at a time and is free to download on laptops, computers, phones and tablets. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Zoom has become an incredibly popular way for workers, colleagues and clients to communicate due to it’s simple set-up process and it’s compatibility across different devices.

We recommend downloading and installing the app before you start your online course as this will allow you plenty of time to address any technical issues and get your head around how it all works. For a step-by step guide on how to join a Zoom video call, check out this handy video ESS facilitator Matt Fletcher has put together:

How interactive is online video conference training?

When it comes to training, interactivity is integral for learners get the most out of the course and to feel engaged. This is something we are passionate about at ESS, and our facilitators have worked tirelessly to build participation into the courses they provide in this virtual learning environment. 

In your virtual classroom, you will be able to talk directly with your facilitator, asking questions throughout the course just as you would in a face-to-face session. Different courses will have varying levels of interactivity, but all have dedicated time for questions and feedback.

What courses are available?

We are delighted to now be providing video training for a wide range of our courses across multiple sectors. The current courses available are:

• Abrasive Wheel Awareness
• Asbestos Awareness UKATA
• Basic Scaffold Inspection
• CITB Health and Safety Awareness
• CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme
• CITB Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme
• CITB Temporary Works Coordinator Training Course
• CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course
• Fire Marshal / Warden
• IOSH Managing Safely
• IOSH Working Safely
• Sharps Awareness
• Work at Height Awareness

To see a full calendar of our upcoming sessions, check out our web page dedicated to video training. This page will be updated with new courses and dates as they become available.

If you want to enquire about a specific course that’s not listed, then feel free to contact our sales team on [email protected], or by ringing 0115 8970 529.

Are these qualifications the same as face-to-face courses?

Yes! As the content for the course is identical to the face-to-face sessions, so are the qualifications.

In the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, most awarding bodies have recognised the need for workers to complete training online. Because of this, they have given approval for providers to perform online training which meets the criteria set by the awarding bodies.

All of the training we provide is recognised by the necessary awarding body and are a legitimate form of training. Visit the individual course page to find out more about each specific qualification.

How are ESS Operating During the Coronavirus?

A large portion of the training we provide is based around practical use of equipment in a construction environment. To meet with the government’s social distancing measures, we cannot offer these courses due to the health risks involved. However, we are always looking for new ways to deliver learning.

As well as online video training, we also provide a vast suite of e-learning courses for a variety of different skills and sectors. You can also still enrol on one of our NVQs. We have 150 different options available, from Level 2s to Level 6s.

Like most workplaces, our main office is closed with the bulk of our staff working from home. While this is far from ideal, we are still contactable via email at [email protected]. You can also ring the team on 0115 8970 529.