WORKING PRACTICES | REMOTE LEARNING DELIVERING CIBSES COURSES In response to the first lockdown, CIBSEs face-to-face courses were adapted for an online format, which combined text, pre-recorded videos of the trainer, and quiz questions. These courses were run on CIBSEs pre-existing learning management system, which already had a catalogue of online courses. Covid-19 has forced us to adapt our training, and make it safe and convenient for attendees. They can now save time on commuting, and money on expenses, says Lara Archer, CIBSEs corporate training manager, who adds that trainers have had to ensure courses are engaging to make them effective online. We keep them interactive by adding quizzes and Q&As and break them up, so its not just the trainer talking. Our trainers are used to presenting face to face, so it has been an adjustment especially because many of them work off a crowd. This is why we have tried to encourage viewers to keep their cameras on, and to put their mics on when they have a question. Details of CIBSEs training events are at: www.cibse.org/trainingevents/cibse-training Clockwise from top: Consultant David Fitzpatrick, CIBSEs corporate training manager Lara Archer, and Sweco associate Peter Holmes Our trainers are used to presenting face to face, so it has been an adjustment especially because many of them work off a crowd says Fitzpatrick, but technology is at least enabling people to visit project sites (though not in the flesh). We have been uploading media, from people wearing cameras, for graduates to view. Its not the same as a real site visit, but its better than just looking at documents; well definitely take it into training post-Covid. Its not necessarily just the way we work internally, but the way we work with clients and architects, says Holmes. Theres been quite a recognition that the Teams meetings can be just as good as physical meetings, if not better, for some sessions. They are able to have more engagement with a project and interaction with their peers on projects, which is great. Exyte Hargreaves Hoare also wants to keep the remote-learning system in place. When things return to normal, we will continue to look at training solutions that are digital, which can be effectively delivered remotely rather than from a classroom. He adds that the firm will look at having its own platform, where employees can select e-learning modules and build on their CPD. Despite some of the unforeseen benefits remote learning has brought, getting back to a more normal training environment is, naturally, a priority for everyone. Having always endeavoured to work towards a blended learning programme, there will always be a place for virtual elements, says Hodgens, from Aecom. But we very much look forward to bringing together our graduates and apprentices in person again in the future. CJ New normals For many organisations, any return to normal working practices post-Covid is likely to bring some change, as positive lessons from remote-working experiences are adopted. Swecos Holmes says remote learning has accelerated the adoption of digital-collaboration practices within the wider team, and recorded CPD sessions, for ongoing internal learning, now mean employees can refer back to them later. That works very well, says Swecos Crofts. People are definitely asking more questions and theres more of an open discussion. Weve got better at sharing information, and having that information in one place for reference. Sweco says other initiatives borne out of necessity under lockdown will be adopted when life returns to normal. For example, graduates will be invited to attend client meetings virtually, after Sweco found that trainees gained a deeper level of experience when engaging with clients remotely in meetings (which they would not have attended pre-Covid). Arup engaged with new employees and graduates before their start date through its Moodle platform 24 February 2021 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Feb21 pp22-24 Remote learning graduates.indd 24 22/01/2021 14:42