Holdfast

Stage 2: Development Phase

Training is becoming more integrated with information technologies in order to enhance the quality of training, personalise the learning experience and improve the efficiency of training delivery.

By the end of the implementation and assessment phase the training partnership will be fully mature and Holdfast will have determined those aspects of training and training support services that lend themselves to innovative development.

The aim of this development will be to adopt new processes and methodologies that are likely to:

• Enhance the quality of training delivery
• Provide more focused training for individual students
• Reduce the time that students spend under training and away from their units.

Holdfast recognises the practical skills that are the core of many of the RSME's courses, but believes that a significant number of courses will prove to have modules that may be delivered differently.

Training methods are changing at the same rapid pace that has been seen in IT over recent years. It is therefore impossible to predict with certainty which new methodologies will be beneficial to RSME training in 5 years time, but we can identify a number of principles that may be explored and developed in partnership with RSME:

• Emerging systems for analysing training needs may be used to identify the best training methods to be applied for achieving the required learning outcomes.
• Government policy for education recognises that in the iPod and internet age young people learn in new and different ways. In line with this new reality Holdfast may apply learner-centric training and individual learning plans so that trainees can learn in ways which are most efficient for them and positively motivating.
• Self-paced, mentor-supported training processes (using Computer-Based Training) will enable trainees to progress at different rates and develop as confident learners.
• We will develop the work started during the initial stage to provide easy access to all learning material – during training courses and, through the Defence Learning Portal, after trainees have returned to their units.
• The potential for Distributed Learning for Phase 3 training will be examined, including instructor-led courses held at the base locations of RE field force units, mentored distance learning using CBT, and other methods.
• Holdfast and RSME staff will benefit from training and development, to support and deliver any improvements in training delivery and management methodology.
• Throughout any development of training methodologies and processes, the focus of Holdfast and RSME will be to ensure that trainees continue to pass their courses, acquire and retain the skills, knowledge, ethos and motivation necessary for them to contribute effectively in their operational roles.