Utilising Microcredentials for Macro Impact in the Events Industry

Training remains an essential part of developing and growing teams in the events industry, yet it can be challenging to dedicate the necessary time and resources to do so in our busy industry. The key is finding the right training for the right people, while also taking advantage of microcredentials to boost learning and reaffirm knowledge, explains Andrew Harrison, Director at the Event Supplier & Services Association (ESSA) in this article for HQ.

The events industry thrives on its flexibility and adaptability, yet training is something we have all historically struggled to keep pace with. Limited time, stretched teams and ever-changing regulations have left it a challenge for businesses to effectively keep their teams up to date with the latest training.

Taking someone out of the business for three days, especially during busy periods, just is not practical anymore, meaning the traditional model of multi-day in-person courses is losing ground.

While in-person training does still have its place, the growing trend for our industry is that of microcredentials – short, targeted bursts of learning that give teams the crucial up to date information they need to perform their jobs not just well, but safely too.
 

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Understanding Microcredentials

While in-person training remains one of our core offerings here at ESSA, our focus on microcredentials in recent years has allowed us to build a portfolio of micro training modules that are fully accessible for all of our members.

Available in short, often only 10-15 minute bursts, they have been designed to teach and reinforce knowledge and competency across key areas of our industry, including health and safety law, working at height, electrical safety and much more.

The beauty of them, and of microcredentials in general, is that they can be done anytime and anywhere. Plus, they encourage continuous reinforcement due to their flexibility of being referred back to easily when needed.
 

 Broadening Access

When it comes to microcredentials though, there is a stereotype that they are only for junior staff or as an onboarding tool for new team members. If the knowledge is needed, or if new rules and regulations come to light, then that information is important for all members of the business, not just those more junior.

I have had members who have been in the business for decades say how useful the ESSA microcredentials have been in keeping them abreast of what they need to know in their field. This approach to micro learning is especially useful for those more senior members of staff who are time poor, giving them the flexibility they need to fit in training for themselves and ensuring they too can continue to learn and develop.
 

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Striking the Balance

As useful as microcredentials can be though, they are not the complete solution to training and development in our industry.

Some subject matter demands more than just screen time, and the power of coming together in person with other event professionals is not to be underestimated. Our in-person sustainability training for example is exclusively done in person at various venues across the UK throughout the year.

Having these sessions in person is not only more suited for the type of content being delivered, but the community aspect and being able to share what your business is doing with other members and talk it through is often fed back as one of the biggest benefits of having the training face-to-face.
 

"The beauty of them, and of microcredentials in general, is that they can be done anytime and anywhere. Plus, they encourage continuous reinforcement due to their flexibility of being referred back to easily when needed."
 

Digital vs In-person Training

Larger training undertakings, such as our accreditation, are also vital for building strong foundations and showcasing competency in our field, and I think it is important that as microcredentials grow in popularity we are not devaluing accreditation.

There is a big difference between an online module and something that shows a company is operating at or above industry standard. Accreditation should mean something more, while microcredentials are to be used to reinforce knowledge and keep people up to date.

Ultimately, it is about giving people a choice and blending both digital and in person training. Digital offers instant accessibility and reinforcement, while face-to-face offers discussion, more depth and connection. Some people may never sign up for in-person training, while some may never opt to complete an online module. It is why choice is essential and why we strive to offer both to our members.

In an industry defined by deadlines and delivery, microcredentials offer a flexible training tool to meet the growing demand for training and development. Yet we must ensure they are complementary, not replacements for coming together as we continue to learn and develop as an industry.
 

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