Quality, choice and 4 more things to consider when choosing a subscription

Looking for a training subscription? What should you pay attention to when making your choice? Global Knowledge gives six tips.

By 2022, no fewer than 87% of IT professions will have a shortage of well-trained employees—predicts the Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) of Maastricht University. These numbers underline how important it is to keep developing your knowledge and skills.

With a training subscription, you can keep learning continuously and you can learn when and where you want for a fixed amount per month. This “Netflix” approach is slowly but steadily becoming more popular in education. You come across more and more providers everyday. There are so many now that the choice is difficult. Time for a list of pros and cons. This article tells you what you should pay attention to when choosing a subscription.

• 1. Quality
  How current is the course material that you receive with your Microsoft Azure Administrator training? Has it been approved by Microsoft? Is the exam material covered during the training? Is the trainer certified? The first thing you pay attention to when choosing a training subscription is the quality. Of course, you want nothing but the best when it comes to your development. Therefore, check for factors like whether the provider offers authorized course material and whether your trainers are certified. A sample of the course material is also important. Check if you receive the most recent material and if the material is suitable for preparing for an exam.
• 2. Learning format
  Before you choose a subscription, check what the conditions are. If you are looking for unlimited eLearnings and training videos, don't choose a subscription that only offers classroom and online training. But if you prefer to learn in a classroom environment, then such a subscription could be interesting.
  
  IT training providers often offer different subscriptions. GK Polaris—the subscription by Global Knowledge —comes in three flavours: Launch, Accelerate and Discovery. Launch is for IT professionals who want to increase their basic knowledge, Accelerate is for those who like to learn at their own pace and in their own time, and Discovery is for those who prefer to learn in a classroom environment. Learn about the three flavors and their differences on this page.
• 3. Courses offered
  Choose a provider who offers several different courses, so that you can develop to the maximum. Don't just look at technical trainings but also at soft skills, so that you don’t have to book separate courses despite having a subscription.
  
  If you don't have time to train during the day, look for a provider who also offers trainings in the evening. This is possible at Global Knowledge due to our international schedule. Look for possibilities where you can use eLearnings and Labs in your own time, at your own pace.
• 4. Start guarantee
  If you are choosing for unlimited live or online training, choose a platform with a start guarantee. A trainer who offers training courses with a start guarantee has a number of training courses that always take place.
• 5. Learning paths
  Do you want to upskill or retrain? Then choose a platform that offers learning paths, where you gradually go from a certain entry level to your chosen job profile.
  
  Before choosing your learning path, test your level or choose which role you want to attain. Based on this information, you can choose a learning path that has already been mapped out for you. Handy, because you no longer have to look for training courses that match.
• 6. Learn from peers
  Research shows that you retain what you have learned more quickly when you discuss it with others. Look for a provider who gives you the opportunity to ask questions and spar with peers and trainers. Consultation often leads to new insights and by asking questions you will understand the course material better. This also creates a feeling of togetherness, which ensures better performance.

Ready to choose?

Find out what GK Polaris—the subscription model from Global Knowledge—has to offer. Get unlimited access to trainings for a fixed amount per year. With three different subscriptions, there is something for everyone. And our subscription model meets all of the above points. Learn more about GK Polaris and the three different subscription options Launch, Accelerate and Discovery via the button below.