Unlocking Technical Skills for Non-Tech Employees: The Power of Personal Coaching & Small Class Sizes

As Learning & Development leaders, one of your key responsibilities is to ensure that your workforce remains competitive, especially in the rapidly evolving world of technology. Training non-technical employees in areas like software development and data analysis can be challenging, but the magic of high-touch personal coaching and small class sizes can significantly improve their learning experience. In this post, we’ll explore why these ingredients are essential for preparing your non-technical employees for the digital age.

Individual Attention for Employee Growth

Research consistently shows that students in smaller classes receive more individual attention (Finn & Achilles, 1999; Glass & Smith, 1979). As L&D leaders, providing personalized coaching for your non-technical employees can help identify their unique learning needs and tailor instruction accordingly (Bloom, 1984). This approach ensures maximum employee growth and development in the shortest possible time.

Fostering Open Communication

Small class sizes and personal coaching pave the way for improved communication between instructors and learners (Arias & Walker, 2004). By creating a comfortable learning environment, non-technical employees can freely ask questions and engage in discussions, resulting in a deeper understanding of the material and the ability to apply these skills in their work.

Boosting Motivation and Engagement

Small class sizes and high-touch coaching have been shown to increase motivation and engagement among learners (Blatchford, 2003; Finn & Achilles, 1999). Providing your non-technical employees with a supportive learning environment encourages them to take risks, develop their skills, and ultimately contribute more effectively to the company’s success.

Promoting Active Learning and Collaboration

Small class sizes allow for active learning, where employees can engage in hands-on activities and collaborate with peers (Millis & Cottell, 1998). Research suggests that active learning is particularly effective for teaching technical skills (Michael, 2006), making it an ideal approach for L & D leaders to adopt when upskilling non-technical employees.

Retaining Talent and Achieving Success

Studies have demonstrated that smaller class sizes are associated with higher retention rates, especially among non-traditional students and adult learners (Ratcliff, 1993; Schreiner & Sidney, 1999). By providing high-touch coaching, you can ensure that your employees remain engaged, committed to their learning, and more likely to stay with your organization as they develop valuable technical skills.

Accelerating Skill Acquisition and Employability

Personalized coaching can help your non-technical employees acquire new skills more quickly, as instructors can focus on individual needs and adapt their teaching methods accordingly (Kulik, 1994). This accelerated skill acquisition can lead to increased productivity and innovation within your organization, ensuring that your employees remain competitive in the digital age.

 

High-touch personal coaching and small class sizes are powerful tools for L&D leaders to unlock the technical potential of non-technical employees. These approaches foster a supportive learning environment, encourage active learning, and facilitate open communication. Additionally, they lead to higher retention rates, faster skill acquisition, and increased motivation and engagement.

By embracing the power of personalized instruction and small class sizes, you can effectively upskill your non-technical employees, ensuring that your organization remains competitive and innovative in the ever-evolving world of technology.