How to Find the Right Online Refresher Course for You?

In today's fast-paced work environment, staying up to date with the latest industry standards and regulations is crucial for businesses and individuals alike.

With the rise of online learning, finding the right online refresher course can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your skills in confined space, working at heights, or first aid, it's vital to choose a course that meets your needs and complies with Australian legal requirements.

In this article, we'll guide you through the process of finding the right online refresher course, ensuring you receive a quality learning experience that aligns with your goals and objectives.

What Are Refresher Courses?

Refresher courses are designed to update and reinforce existing knowledge and skills, typically for individuals who have already completed a formal qualification or training program.

Their primary purpose is to ensure that professionals remain current with industry developments, best practices, and regulatory requirements.

Refresher courses can be categorised into various types, including:

Course Type	Description
Industry-specific	Confined space refresher online or working at heights online course.
Compliance-based	Focusing on legal requirements and regulations.
Skills-based	Targeting specific skills or competencies and knowledge assessment.
General knowledge	Covering broad topics or industry overviews.

 

Plus, many refresher courses are designed to cater to specific industries or professions, such as first aid course or first aider training for healthcare professionals.

These courses focus on updating knowledge and skills in areas like workplace procedures, safe workplace practices, and warning signs.

Industry/Profession	Refresher Course
Healthcare	First aid course or first aider training.
Infrastructure	Refresher courses for construction or manufacturing such as working at heights certificate.
Licensed Venues	Refresher courses for hospitality professionals.
Business	Refresher courses for management and leadership.

 

Benefits of Taking an Online Refresher Course

Online refresher courses provide an opportunity to update existing skills, acquire new ones, and expand knowledge in a specific area, ultimately leading to improved job performance and productivity.

Improving Career Prospects

One of the most significant advantages of taking an online refresher course is the potential to boost career prospects.

By demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, individuals can increase their chances of career advancement, higher salaries, and better job opportunities.

Refresher courses can also help individuals transition into new roles or industries, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their desired field.

According to the Australian Government's Department of Education, Skills and Employment, upskilling and reskilling can lead to increased employability and better career outcomes.

Increasing Confidence and Competence

Course participants can expect to gain a renewed sense of confidence and competence in their profession, as online refresher courses provide a comprehensive review of industry-specific knowledge and best practices.

This, in turn, leads to improved job satisfaction and a greater sense of fulfilment.

Confidence in one's abilities is important for success in any profession.

Remember to consider your goals and objectives when selecting an online refresher course and choose a course that aligns with your career aspirations and industry requirements.

How Do You Find the Right Online Refresher Course for You?

Assess Your Learning Needs and Goals

Any individual or business seeking to refresh their skills or knowledge in a particular area must first identify what they want to achieve from the course.

1 - Define the knowledge that users must have and reinforce it. 

2 - These goals should be communicated to the user. 

3 - Tell them what they need to know, what's changed and why this information needs to be updated.

Research Available Courses

Knowledge of available courses is crucial in making an informed decision.

It is important to explore different options, considering factors such as course duration, format, content and units of competency.

Make sure that resources are readily available and direct users to the right place for additional information. 

It could be an online platform that allows them to access relevant resources, or a person in the organisation who is able to help with further questions.

Check the Credibility of the Provider

1 - Look for any official accreditations or recognitions from educational or professional bodies. Accredited providers usually adhere to high standards and offer quality courses.

2 - Investigate the qualifications and experience of the instructors. Well-qualified instructors with relevant industry experience are more likely to provide valuable, up-to-date content.

3 - Look into how long the provider has been in the business. Established providers with a track record are often more reliable and have refined their courses over time.

4 - Positive reviews and testimonials can give you a good idea of the course quality and the provider’s reputation.

5 - Many credible providers offer free previews or sample content. Reviewing these samples can help you assess the quality and relevance of the course material.

6 - Ensure that the course content is comprehensive and structured in a way that meets your learning needs. A well-organised syllabus and clear learning outcomes are indicators of a quality course.

7 - Reliable providers often offer additional resources such as forums, study guides, or support from instructors. This can enhance your learning experience and aid when needed.

Evaluate Course Content and Structure

1 - Start by clarifying what you want to achieve from the course. Clear objectives help you assess if the course aligns with your personal or professional goals.

2 - Review the course syllabus or outline to see if it covers the topics and skills relevant to your objectives. A well-structured outline should give you a good idea of what to expect.

3 - The course should be organised in a logical sequence. It should build on foundational concepts before moving on to more advanced topics. This progression helps in better understanding and retention.

4 - Outdated or irrelevant material can undermine the value of the course.

5 - Each module or section should have specific learning outcomes. These outcomes help you understand what you will be able to do after completing each part of the course.

6 - Check the types of materials used (e.g., videos, readings, quizzes). They should be diverse and engaging, catering to different learning styles. Good courses often include practical exercises to apply what you've learned.

7 - Regular quizzes, assignments, or projects can help reinforce learning and provide feedback on your progress.

8 - If you have a busy schedule, ensure the course offers flexibility in terms of deadlines and access. Self-paced courses or modules that you can revisit might be more suitable.

Consider Flexibility and Accessibility

1.     Look for courses that allow you to learn at your own pace. This is especially useful if you have a hectic schedule, as you can complete modules and assignments whenever you have time.
2.     Ensure the course is available online 24/7 or at times that fit your schedule. This way, you can access the material whenever it's convenient for you.
3.     See if the course platform is mobile-friendly or has an app. This allows you to study on the go, whether you’re commuting or travelling.
4.     Refresher courses that are divided into smaller, manageable modules can be easier to fit into a busy schedule. This way, you can tackle one module at a time without feeling overwhelmed.
5.     Check if the course has flexible deadlines for assignments and assessments. Some courses allow you to extend deadlines if needed, which can be crucial if your schedule changes unexpectedly.
6.     Look at reviews or testimonials from past students to see how others have managed with the course’s flexibility. They can offer insights into how accommodating the course was in real-life situations.
7.     Make sure the course provides multiple ways to access content, such as through different devices or platforms. This ensures you can continue learning from various locations.

Review Instructor Qualifications and Support

1 - Look at the instructors’ academic qualifications and professional certifications. They should have relevant degrees or licences related to the course subject.

2 - Ensure the instructors have substantial experience in the industry. Real-world experience means they can offer practical insights and examples.

3 - Many course platforms provide detailed bios of their instructors. These can give you a sense of their expertise and teaching style.

4 - Check what kind of support the instructors offer. Good courses usually provide options for asking questions, getting feedback, or participating in discussions.

5 - See if the course information mentions average response times for instructor queries. Quick responses are a good sign of active support.

6 - Determine if instructors provide extra resources or supplementary materials to enhance your learning experience.

Ensure Availability of Certification or Accreditation

1 - Check if the course provides a recognised certificate upon completion. For industries with mandatory certifications, such as confined space or working at heights, the certification should meet industry standards.

2 - Ensure that the course is accredited by relevant professional or regulatory bodies. Accredited courses often adhere to strict standards, which adds credibility to the certification you receive.

3 - Look into how long the certification is valid and whether it needs to be renewed periodically. Some industries require frequent refresher training to maintain certification.

4 - Ensure that the process for receiving certification is clear and straightforward. This includes understanding how and when you will receive your certificate and if it is recognized by relevant authorities.

Consider Cost and Value for Money

1 - Look at the cost of the refresher course and compare it with similar courses. This will help you gauge if the price is reasonable for the content and benefits offered.

2 - Check what’s included in the course fee. Consider if it covers all necessary materials, access to instructors, additional resources, or any certification costs.

3 - Ask colleagues, friends, or industry experts for their opinions on the course. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into whether the course offers good value for the price.

4 - Evaluate how the course will benefit you or your business in the long run. Consider if it will improve your skills, help with compliance, or advance your career. A higher upfront cost might be justified if the course provides significant long-term value.

Considering the Level of Interaction and Engagement

Self-Paced vs. Interactive Courses

Courses that offer self-paced learning allow students to complete the material at their own speed, which can be beneficial for those with busy schedules.

However, interactive courses that incorporate live sessions, discussions, and hands-on activities can provide a more immersive and engaging experience.

Opportunities for Feedback and Discussion

Look for courses that offer opportunities for Q&A sessions, online forums, or live chats to ensure you can clarify any doubts and interact with others in the course.

Opportunities for feedback and discussion are crucial in online refresher courses, as they allow students to clarify any misunderstandings and receive guidance from experienced instructors.

This can be particularly important in courses that require practical application, such as working at heights online courses or confined space refresher online.

By engaging with instructors and peers, students can gain a deeper understanding of the material and develop the skills and confidence needed to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Checking for Any Prerequisites or Requirements

Prior Knowledge and Experience

Checking the prior knowledge and experience required for the course is crucial.

Some courses may assume a certain level of familiarity with the subject matter, while others may be designed for beginners.

Make sure you understand what's expected of you in terms of prior knowledge and experience to avoid any learning challenges.

Technical Requirements and Compatibility

Requirements for technical infrastructure, such as internet access and compatible devices, should also be considered.

You'll want to ensure that your device and internet connection can support the online training material and activities.

With online courses, technical issues can be a major hindrance to learning.

By checking the technical requirements beforehand, you can avoid any potential problems and ensure a smooth learning experience.

For example, some courses may require a specific browser or operating system, so it's vital to check these requirements before enrolling.

Comparing Different Course Options

Course Feature	Description
Course Content	The topics and modules covered in the course, including the unit of competency and learning outcomes.
Delivery Method	The way the course is delivered, such as online, distance education, or weekend courses.
Duration	The length of time it takes to complete the course, including the commencement of training and online assessment activities.
Cost	The cost of the course, including any payment process or fees associated with the training provider.
Entry Requirements	The prerequisites for enrolling in the course, such as eligibility criteria or previous training experience.
Learning Material	The resources provided to support learning, including online training material and internet access.
Support	The level of support provided by the training organisation, including email address and business day contact hours.

 

Weighing Up the Pros and Cons

Options for online refresher courses can be overwhelming.

To make an informed decision, it's important to weigh up the pros and cons of each course.

Pros	Cons
Convenient online delivery.	Limited interaction with instructors.
Affordable cost.	Lower quality learning material.
Flexible learning schedule.	Difficulty in staying motivated.
Nationally recognised certification.	Strict eligibility criteria.
Expert instructors with industry experience.	Technical issues with online platforms.

 

Final Words

As a reminder, finding the right online refresher course for you requires careful consideration of several factors, including your unit of competency, training provider, and learning material.

By doing your research, checking the entry requirements, and ensuring the course meets your needs, you can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to stay compliant with legal requirements and maintain a safe workplace.

With the right online refresher course, you can overcome learning challenges and achieve your desired learning outcomes, ultimately enhancing your professional standards and contributing to the growth of your business.