As ever with a question like this, the answer is "it depends". In the end, the important thing is that the course delivers the maximum value to increase the skills of your staff so that they can provide a better service.

Within that, there are a lot of variables. So let's look at some reasons why each one could be right for you.
 

In-person training courses 

Team building

In-person training allows everyone to get in the same room, an all too rare occasion in this day and age. It allows people the chance to catch-up with each other, share how things are going, and yes, even a little gossip. All this leads to improving team bonds and a more supportive environment. It helps people feel a part of the group and less isolated, which is becoming more and more recognised as a potential downside of remote working.

Collaboration

Everyone sitting in the same room allows for sharing ideas and better discussions. Physically connecting with people in the room makes it easier to have conversations and listen to others. Sometimes you can listen to more than one conversation at once, an impossibility during online sessions. It also makes it easier for the trainer to make sure everyone is engaged and no-one is missing out, making sure everyone gets their chance to contribute and be a part of what is going on.

Tactile learning

It doesn't matter how good the trainer is, they can't pass you something physically through a screen! Certain topics lend themselves to face-to-face learning, for example learning how to support someone to stand up in moving and handling. The trainer may also have some physical learning aids that can aid understanding if passed around the group. They could hold it up to the screen, or send a picture to the group, but sometimes it's not the same thing as physically holding and exploring an object.

Real-time feedback

During any training session, there will always be a point where the trainer says some variation of "does everyone understand?". In the middle of an online session, silence would indicate no problems and everyone is happy to carry on. However, this misses the person who feels embarrased to ask. In-person sessions allow the trainer to assess body language and pick up on the person who might not fully get it, but is worried about speaking up.

Remote training courses

Affordable

In the recent financial landscape, money can be tight and training budgets are prone to being cut. A remote course tends to be more affordable, as the trainer does not have to include travel and/or accommodation costs to the price. The organisation also does not need to hire a training room, provide refreshments etc.

Convenience

With remote training, all that is needed is a laptop and an internet connection. It is not necessary for all the attendees to turn up to the same room, or even in the same building! It is even possible for some people to attend from home, travel problems and weather issues are no longer a factor with remote training. 

Flexibility

A further advantage of remote training is the ability to be flexible. A course might be delivered in the evening, or at the weekend, However, flexibility doesn't just mean start and finish times, but also within that. A remote course might be delivered in parts, or even over a couple of days.

Creativity

If necessity is the mother of invention, then remote training necessitates creativity. Remote courses can make full use of the technology at it's disposal, from breakout rooms, to YouTube clips and other fun and interactive ways of engaging such as quizzes and games.

In conclusion

It's horses for courses. Sometimes in-person is exactly right, sometimes remote is the correct way to go. What's important is understanding what you want from the course and the best way to get the information and skills across to your team. Sycamore Training Solutions will work with you to ensure the package you need is right for you.