Hunter based Forsythes Training is one of the latest examples of a local business innovating and changing its business approach to continue serving clients throughout COVID-19 and beyond.
Forsythes Training CEO, Chad White, said his team responded quickly to the pandemic to minimise inconvenience to current students and corporate clients, as well as to save the business and keep staff employed.
Along with fellow hands on Director, Julie Carroll, they developed a virtual classroom delivery strategy that they are continuing to refine to meet changing conditions and client needs.
Hundreds of students are now receiving training for a nationally registered qualification or a customised program through their employer via Zoom.
Chad some more and more people are transitioning to the online platform as well as embracing other delivery methods during this time.
“Platforms such as Zoom work well for training because they closely mimic a classroom, keep participants engaged and give people connection while they are physically isolating,” he said.
“It is a satisfying and effective method for our trainers who can still see their students, use their reaction, and body language to make their training more impactful and effective.”
Some face to face training is continuing, where possible, however this is being done under strict protocols and room reconfiguration to enforce social distancing and hygiene regulations.
Chad said there has been a lot of work behind the scenes to get things off the ground, but the new delivery has been quite seamless. He said feedback from participants has been very positive.
“We consulted with key clients and prioritised our most popular qualifications first – training and assessment and some project management, leadership and computer courses,” Chad said.
“The strong, long standing relationships we have with many businesses and organisations for whom we create customised programs, meant we could quickly talk to them about their needs and pilot the new methods.
“The support from our clients, students and staff, and their readiness to try new things, has been outstanding.”
Chad said the pandemic is a major threat to many businesses, but he is seeing it as an opportunity for change.
“COVID-19 will change the way our business and many others operate, forever.”
He said many clients were seeing continued training through the pandemic as important and a productive thing staff can be doing whilst in isolation or at home.
“We have also been offering our clients training and support in establishing Microsoft Teams and Zoom to help them adjust quickly to remote working.”
“As an NSW Government Smart and Skilled training provider we are able to access government subsidies for training in skills critical for the economy and our corporate clients.”
Chad admits his business had a head start, in that several key staff have been using Zoom or other virtual meeting software for several years.
The mindset of society with virtual meetings has changed because of COVID-19, even though the technology has been available for many years.
His advice to other businesses is to have a plan, ask your staff and customers what they need, and respond quickly. He said things that haven’t worked before may now be appropriate.
“See what works and what doesn’t work and adjust things along the way,” he concluded.
IMAGE | Forsythes Training embrace technology to provide ongoing services for clients
