How organisations are using blended e-learning to deliver more flexible approaches to trade training

Training organisations are being asked to respond to the growing levels of diversity around the contexts for training and to examine a wider range of training solutions than in the past. This research investigates how training organisations in Australia are using blended forms of e-learning to provide more responsive, flexible and innovative training, particularly in areas of skills shortage in four trade industries. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders across the bakery, building and construction, plumbing and stonemasonry industries. Findings report on the perceived benefits of e-learning in promoting greater flexibility, improvements in teacher-student communication and interpersonal relationships, higher levels of student satisfaction and cost savings for employers. However, major barriers include the attitudes of many teachers to the use of new technologies in the classroom, including the associated strategies of the recognition of prior learning and e-portfolios to support of e-learning delivery. Finally, the study identifies future directions for research around the factors that may determine the greater adoption of e-learning strategies in the learning and training environments of our workplaces.