Choosing the right PRINCE2^® training for success

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Selecting the best PRINCE2 training provider

Transcript

Welcome aboard the Knowledge Train. In this podcast we explore insights and tips to help you manage your way to success in your career and business. I’m Simon Buehring, your conductor on this journey to knowledge and I’m thrilled to have you with us today.

In this episode, we’re going to guide you through the maze of choosing not just any PRINCE2 training provider but the one that best fits your needs. So, let’s get started and ensure your next stop is a success!

With a veritable buffet of providers offering accredited PRINCE2 courses, the quest to pinpoint one that truly stands out can seem daunting. At Knowledge Train, we’ve been navigating this terrain since 2006, and that experience has sharpened our insight into what elevates a provider from the rest of the pack.

Today, we’re unpacking the essentials on how to discern the cream of the crop in PRINCE2 training. This is key intel for anyone currently on the prowl for a top-notch provider.

Let’s tackle the first obstacle – the sales pitch. It’s a jungle out there with claims like “Best PRINCE2 Course” or promises of luxury locations and heaps of “free” goodies. Remember, cost is often a smokescreen obscuring the true value of a training experience. Now, why do these pitches still snag attention? Well, it’s because sorting the wheat from the chaff isn’t straightforward for someone new to PRINCE2. Providers play a numbers game, but we’re here to focus on what truly matters – the quality of your learning experience.

Price tags aside, let’s pivot to what should be the heart of your decision – the training experience. Absorbing PRINCE2 isn’t just about reading and regurgitating; it’s about meaningful engagement with knowledgeable trainers, ample time to digest complex ideas, and the capacity to relate these concepts to real-world project management scenarios.

Skimping on quality to reduce costs is an all too common practice that sacrifices essential learning elements such as comprehensive materials, suitable venues, adequate time, and, crucially, expert trainers. Let’s unpack how each of these underpins a successful learning journey.

Materials are the bedrock of understanding PRINCE2’s intricate methodology. They need to be clear, reliable, and continuously refined to support effective learning – something that cost-cutting courses often compromise in favour of outdated or ineffective resources.

Then, there’s the dreaded “Death by PowerPoint,” a common tactic among budget courses. Being flooded with hundreds of slides is less a learning strategy and more a test of endurance! Asking about the materials beforehand can save you from that fate and ensure you engage with quality content designed to facilitate real comprehension, not just slide-flipping.

Next on our radar are venues. The ‘supermarket approach,’ stacking students high and selling courses cheap, might seem attractive in tight financial times, but it comes at a steep educational cost. Overcrowded rooms, shared resources, and limited interactions with trainers aren’t mere inconveniences; they critically devalue the training experience. The ability to ask questions and engage in discussion is not a luxury – it’s a necessity for grasping PRINCE2 effectively.

Time is another resource often cut short. While pre-course study and homework are standard, excessive demands are red flags signalling that the course may not provide enough classroom support to foster success and deep understanding of the material.

Then we come to the trainers themselves – the lifeblood of any training course. It’s simple: good trainers cost money. Opting for the cheapest course might save upfront, but the trade-off is often less experienced trainers. Remember, expertise in delivering PRINCE2 is key. Your trainer’s ability will significantly affect not just your understanding of the material but also your ability to apply it confidently in the real world.

Company size is another factor to consider – bigger is not necessarily better. Larger companies might lose sight of individual customer care, treating you as just another sale rather than a person with unique career goals. Smaller providers often provide a more personalised touch, ensuring that the course you’re taking aligns with your actual needs.

And while on the topic, let’s touch on ethics. Not all training providers have your best interests at heart; some may never intend to run a course they’ve advertised, leading to a frustrating and costly dead end. Reading the terms and conditions can be eye-opening and potentially safeguard you against such unethical practices.

To navigate this complex marketplace, it’s crucial to ask the right questions before buying a course. Critical inquiries can save you money and disappointment by steering you toward reputable training providers. And remember not to be seduced by low costs alone. A suspiciously cheap PRINCE2 course often skimps on essentials, which are non-negotiable for a rewarding training experience.

In summary, selecting the best PRINCE2 training requires one to look beyond flashy sales pitches and focus on the quality of the training experience. Consider materials, venue, time, trainers, company size, ethics, and yes, even cost, but in the context of value rather than just price alone. Recall the old saying: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Thank you for joining us on the Knowledge Train as we explored selecting the best PRINCE2 training provider. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insight-packed episodes, and swing by the Knowledge Train website for resources galore. Until the next episode, keep learning, keep managing, and I’ll see you further down the track. Goodbye!