Jeff Toms argues that the eruption of the Eyjafjöll volcano has kick-started the take up of remote training.

In recent years advances in technology have enabled leading training companies to begin to offer remote training over the internet. Potentially, this has many benefits as the technology is now so advanced, it is reasonably straightforward to deliver high-quality training for staff regardless of their geographical location, through web based programmes. 

Using technology for increased convenience of geographically dispersed employees not only eliminates the cost of travel and associated expenses but allows organisations to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities through a reduction in environmental impact. There is also increased flexibility relating to the timing of sessions. 

In this way, remote delivery is potentially more efficient than face-to-face training as it addresses the challenge of executives' increasingly busy schedules which often prevent individuals taking time out of the office for residential study. Similarly, due to the widespread use of Wi-Fi, it is possible to undertake training wherever there is access to a computer – this could be at home, in the office, or taking advantage of downtime during a stay at a hotel for example. 

The delivery of internet training also removes the need for trainers to travel. This means they can also be more flexible with respect to availability. For corporate clients this means sessions can be arranged specifically to suit the recipient company and its geographically dispersed personnel.

In challenging economic times, the good news is that because of the reduced need to travel and elimination of the cost of venue hire, hotel and staff expenses, remote training will have far less impact on budgets, allowing larger numbers to receive essential training.

However, despite these clear advantages in terms of time and cost saving, remote training has been slow to take off. Similar to the way that video conferencing has taken time to catch on and become a common way of communicating; remote training has not seen the heavy investment from corporate clients as was perhaps anticipated, until now. The eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjöll volcano earlier this year has changed all that. With no-fly rules being placed on routes across Europe, business has felt the impact of nature at its most disruptive, and has now needed to embrace technology to function. 

Needs must when the ash cloud descends

The economic downturn has inevitably meant that training budgets have been cut. This combined with disruption of travel plans due to the ash cloud has resulted in training companies and clients looking towards implementing more innovative working practices. Remote training is now beginning to deliver. 

At Farnham Castle we have noticed that while we have been offering remote training for some time, the recent months have seen a dramatic increase in take-up for online delivery of programmes since the ash cloud disruption has prevented travel.

For many companies it is a case of needs must. Executives still need training and business must go on as normal as much as possible, so organisations and staff are now ready to try this new way of working. We have found that once programme participants are over their initial reservations, they are very receptive to this approach. A number of companies we have trained using remote delivery, have indicated they will use this method of delivery, when appropriate, from now on as they have found it to be both cost effective and efficient.

Clients who have traditionally only trained UK-based personnel are increasingly using such remote capabilities to prepare and train overseas staff in situ or those who are transferring within or between areas and who would not have received support in the past.

In the future, we anticipate remote training will continue to grow, which will add further value, deliver more tailored content and enhance overall standards of training programmes allowing companies to become even more competitive. The positive news for client organisations is that as a result, standards will ultimately be pushed higher and return on investment will become more transparent, for the good of the industry as a whole. Every ash cloud really does have a silver lining.

Jeff Toms is the marketing and client services director for Farnham Castle

Farnham Castle now offers the option of participating in its entire range of intercultural training, foreign assignment briefing programmes and language training over the internet. This is achieved through the use of a new web-based training platform - iCulture a coaching tool that allows simultaneous group and one-to-one delivery and mentoring. For further information visit: www.farnhamcastle.com