Invest in your professional development

Many things have changed over the last two-and-a-half years. The need for professional skills development and employee training hasn’t changed though; it’s arguably more important now than ever. And, there’s never been a better time, or more options, for individuals and companies alike to focus on skills development and training.

Flexible learning is the latest catchphrase — and it’s a critical one. Universities are expanding their offerings for professional development, with affordable and accredited options. These options bridge the gap between higher education/training and industry needs by taking high quality learning to learners.

What is flexible learning?

Flexible learning is much more than just transferring a course to a digital platform. Rather, flexible learning is a combination of traditional and digital communication, with a variety of modes and resources, including face-to-face contact, discussion boards, videoconferencing and print resources. Flexible learning can be offered through blended (hybrid) or online modes of delivery.

Why choose flexible learning?

Flexible learning:

• allows learners to learn where and when it

suits them;

• accommodates learners’ learning styles

and preferences more effectively;

• offers a more comfortable learning

environment than a traditional classroom; • offers increased convenience and

flexibility for learners;

• is economically viable, with lower total

costs;

• provides training options that can accommodate business demands and needs for employers; • increases employee (and student)

retention and attendance;

• develops learners’ independence and confidence while improving achievement; and

• provides employees an opportunity to gain

new knowledge and develop new skills.

For professionals and employees, flexible learning is definitely the way to go. With short courses and micro-credentials on offer, learners can advance their careers through further studies without having to give up the work that pays for these studies. Career advancement through additional qualifications is a feasible and affordable option.

Whether one opts for an online short course or attends a three-day workshop arranged by one’s employer, the participation skills learned in such professional development options tend to be versatile and transferable. Thus, flexible learning is the ideal solution for employers looking to upskill staff or individuals seeking a career change or improvement in their professional skills for their current field of work.

Flexible learning in the workplace

For employers, flexible learning for employees’ professional development needs to be a priority. Learning should no longer be restricted to a single day or venue. Collaborative and independent learning opportunities, both scheduled and selfpaced, are part of any good flexible learning option. Of course, this requires learners to follow such plans and dedicate themselves to tasks without distraction. To support them in this, employers should try to respect such plans and schedule work around learning where feasible.

Whether you’re an individual or an employee looking to explore flexible learning options, Wits University is guaranteed to have a suitable course to meet your needs. Wits Plus offers dozens of training solutions, which can be tailored to your organisation’s needs. For individuals, there are several business-related and language short course options to explore.