Coaching has become a popular profession in recent years. The International Coach Federation reports that the industry has grown steadily since 2019, with 50,000+ registered professional coaches worldwide in 2022.
There are many reasons for this, but one of the most common is that coaching can be done face-to-face or virtually, which means it’s becoming more accessible to more people.
So, which is the better way to train to become a coach?
There are different ways to take up training – face-to-face and virtual
Over the past several years, there has been a shift in how people access training and development opportunities. While in the past most trainings were delivered in person, today there are many options for virtual training.
This can be a great way to learn new skills or brush up on existing ones. The main advantage of virtual training is convenience. Additionally, virtual training can be more cost-effective than traditional face-to-face training.
If you’re considering taking up a training program, it’s important to consider both face-to-face and virtual options to find the best fit for your needs.
What are the advantages of each type of training?
Both types of training have their own advantages, let’s explore a few of the more important ones.
Face-to-Face Training
- There is a personal connection between the trainer and participants.
- Participants can ask questions and get immediate feedback.
- It can be more interactive and engaging than virtual training.
- Participants can build relationships with each other and network during the breaks.
Virtual Training
- It is more cost-effective than face-to-face training.
- Participants can attend the training from anywhere in the world.
- There are no venue, travel and accommodation costs.
How to Choose Between Face-to-Face and Virtual Training
Choosing between face-to-face and virtual training can be tough. There are a lot of things to consider when making your decision. Here are some key things to keep in mind that will help you choose the best training method for you.
Learning Style
One of the first things you’ll want to consider is your learning style. Are you someone who learns best by doing, or do you prefer to learn by listening and observing? If you’re someone who learns best by doing, then face-to-face training might be the best option for you. You’ll have the chance to get hands-on experience and receive immediate feedback from your trainer.
If you’re someone who prefers the comfort of your home or office and the flexibility of logging in from anywhere in the world, then virtual training might be a better fit for you. You can plan your life around the training hours, your work and family commitments.
Schedule
Another thing to consider is your schedule. Do you have the availability to commit to scheduled face-to-face sessions? Or would you prefer the flexibility of being at home as you’re attending the programme? If you have a busy schedule and don’t want to travel, virtual training might be a better option for you.
Budget
Think about your budget. Face-to-face training can be expensive, especially if you have to travel to the training venue. Virtual training is usually more affordable since there’s no need for travel, venue and accommodation costs.
Choosing between face-to-face and virtual training depends on a variety of factors such as learning style, schedule, and budget. Consider all of these factors carefully before making your decision so that you can choose the best option for your needs.
So, which is the better way to train to become a coach?
That depends on your needs and preferences. If you want personal interaction with the coach trainer and the opportunity to network with other coaches, then face-to-face training is probably the better choice for you. If you want more flexibility and affordability, then virtual training may be a better option for you.
