Top 5 Reasons Online Training Became a Game Changer for Irish Businesses Post-COVID
If the pandemic taught Irish businesses one thing, it’s that adaptability is key. When face-to-face training became impossible, online training stepped in not just as a temporary fix but as a long-term solution that’s reshaping how companies approach learning and development. Whether it’s virtual training, vocational training, or health and safety training, businesses across Ireland have embraced digital learning as an efficient, cost-effective, and scalable way to upskill their teams.
But what makes online training such a game changer post-COVID? Here are five key reasons why companies are sticking with it.
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Flexibility that Fits Every Schedule
Gone are the days of gathering entire teams in a meeting room for training. With online training, employees can learn at their own pace, on their own time a game-changer for shift workers, remote teams, and busy professionals. A study by SOLAS, Ireland’s Further Education and Training Authority, found that 88% of learners cited flexibility as the main reason for choosing online courses [SOLAS]. Whether it’s a short compliance module or an in-depth health and safety training programme, virtual learning removes scheduling headaches and boosts engagement.
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Cost-Effective Learning for Businesses of All Sizes
Traditional training comes with hefty costs venue hire, instructor fees, travel expenses, and time lost to training days. Online training significantly reduces these costs. According to Enterprise Ireland, e-learning can cut training-related costs by up to 60% [Enterprise Ireland]. That means businesses, whether large or small, can invest in high-quality vocational training without breaking the bank.
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Consistent, High-Quality Training Across Locations
For companies with multiple sites across Ireland (or even the UK), consistency in training can be a challenge. Online training ensures every employee receives the same high-quality content, eliminating discrepancies in instructor-led sessions. Whether it’s health and safety training or compliance modules, e-learning platforms like Acornstar help standardise learning, ensuring teams are on the same page, no matter where they’re based.
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Compliance and Safety Training on Demand
Irish businesses, particularly those in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, need to stay on top of evolving safety regulations. Online health and safety training makes it easier than ever to keep employees compliant. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has highlighted the growing importance of digital learning in maintaining compliance with workplace regulations [HSA]. With on-demand courses, businesses can ensure new hires are trained immediately, and refresher courses are completed without disrupting operations.
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Engaging, Interactive Learning for the Digital Age
Forget the dull PowerPoint slides of the past modern online training is interactive, engaging, and built for digital learners. Features like quizzes, gamification, and scenario-based learning make training more enjoyable and effective. A recent survey by The Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD) found that businesses using e-learning saw a 40% increase in learner engagement compared to traditional methods [IITD]. This boost in engagement leads to better knowledge retention and improved workplace performance.
Final Thoughts
The shift to online training isn’t just a pandemic-era trend it’s the future of workforce development. Irish businesses have seen the benefits first-hand, from cost savings and flexibility to better compliance and engagement. As digital learning continues to evolve, now is the time for companies to embrace the potential of virtual training, vocational training, and health and safety training to build a smarter, safer, and more skilled workforce.
How Acornstar Can Help
At Acornstar, we’re passionate about empowering your growth through top-notch online training. Our cutting-edge, fully accredited courses are designed to fit your schedule and accelerate your career, no matter where you are. Explore our all-new courses to discover engaging health and safety modules, compliance training, and professional development paths that truly make a difference. With interactive content, expert-led sessions, and flexible learning options, Acornstar is your go-to partner for transforming challenges into opportunities. Ready to level up? Visit our course catalog now and join the community of forward-thinking professionals who are shaping the future with Acornstar.
Contact Us
For more information on how we can help you maintain the highest food safety standards in your business, please contact us:
Email: info@acornstar.com
Phone: +353 (0) 45 890384
By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that your kitchen operations not only comply with Irish food safety regulations but also create a safe and welcoming environment for your customers and staff.