For training providers, the way you deliver your training is just as important as what you’re delivering.
Your choice of methodology is primarily a learner-focused decision, but it's also a commercial one. It influences how many learners you can reach, how efficiently you can deliver high-quality training, and how well your team can scale without sacrificing service.
So while the day-to-day logistics of training delivery may sit with customer operations, the strategic direction around how you train is one that leadership should be actively driving.
In this article, we’ll cover:
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What training methodologies are – and why they matter for training businesses
- Choosing the right methodology
What training methodologies are – and why they matter for training businesses
Training methodologies are the frameworks or approaches you use to deliver learning. Think of them as the how behind your training - whether that’s face-to-face delivery, digital modules, blended programmes or learning-on-the-job.
Most training companies have a preferred method based on legacy, trainer expertise or sector demand - but few take the time to regularly assess whether that method still serves the business as it grows.
And that’s where the opportunity lies.
The methodology you choose affects more than just the learner experience - it directly impacts:
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How many people you can train
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How smoothly you can deliver at scale
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How quickly you can adapt or expand
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How efficiently your team can operate day to day
For example, instructor-led training might be what your business was built on - but relying on it exclusively can create operational bottlenecks when you're trying to grow. On the other hand, adding eLearning or blended options can open up new markets, unlock recurring revenue streams and reduce the pressure on trainers and admin staff.
It's also not uncommon to see training businesses lose margin simply because their delivery method isn't aligned with their operational capacity or tech stack. That’s where strategic decisions around methodology really start to pay off.
Why this matters now
The training landscape has seen some challenges in the last few years, with training providers under pressure to deliver more with less resource.
Methodology plays a huge role in how you respond to these challenges. The right mix allows you to:
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Offer choice to clients without reinventing the wheel
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Deliver consistent quality across formats
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Streamline admin with the right tech behind the scenes
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Pivot quickly when demand shifts
If your goal is to train more people, grow revenue, or expand into new delivery formats, revisiting your training methodology is a great learning exercise and growth strategy.
Here’s a breakdown of the key methodologies in training delivery and what you should be considering when deciding how to use (and scale) them in their business.
Instructor-led training (ILT)
What it is: In-person or virtual sessions led by a trainer. The “traditional” model most training companies were built on.
When it works: Great for complex topics that benefit from real-time discussion, Q&A and group activities. It’s often the go-to for compliance training, leadership development or anything where nuance matters.
Business implications:
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High-margin, especially in B2B or technical training
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Labour-intensive to scale without the right systems
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Operational risk if reliant on manual scheduling, resource booking and trainer availability
How accessplanit supports it:
Course and resource management keep ILT profitable. If ILT is a key revenue stream, automation is essential to protect your margin.
eLearning
What it is: Online, self-paced learning delivered via a learning management system.
When it works: Ideal for standardised content, onboarding, or when you need to train large numbers across locations. Works well for knowledge-based learning where interaction isn’t essential.
Business implications:
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Excellent for productisation and recurring revenue
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Lower delivery cost per learner
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Higher up-front investment in content development
How accessplanit supports it: accessplanit integrates seamlessly with your existing eLearning platforms, SCORM-compliant systems, and digital content providers via our connectivity features. You can centralise learner records, automate enrolments, track completions, and keep all training data in one place.
This gives your team a complete view of learner progress across all delivery formats, and keeps your operations smooth, even as you scale.
Blended learning
What it is: A mix of digital and face-to-face. Often used for longer or more complex programmes.
When it works: Best of both worlds. Works well for longer programmes, or when you want learners to apply knowledge in stages.
Business implications:
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Great learner outcomes, but complex operationally
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Allows you to modernise ILT without removing the human element
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Opens doors for national/international expansion without full digital transformation
How accessplanit supports it:
Learner portal and automated communications make blended learning easier to manage. You can add digital elements to existing classroom sessions or build entirely new programmes from scratch – all managed through one centralised system with accessplanit.
Microlearning
What it is: Short-form learning (usually digital) designed to deliver information fast.
When it works: Works best for reinforcing knowledge, just-in-time training, or engaging busy learners. Also useful in ongoing learning programmes.
Business implications:
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Strong fit for B2B clients needing CPD or refresher training
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Low barrier to entry for learners
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Opportunity to increase LTV with low-cost, high-volume training
How accessplanit supports it:
Create and distribute bite-sized modules, quizzes or knowledge checks. Pair with automated reminders and post-course engagement to maintain client relationships and drive repeat business.
Choosing the right methodology
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is aligning the method with your objectives, content, and learners.
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Need to build deep expertise or change behaviours? You’ll probably need face-to-face or blended learning.
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Rolling out mandatory training across sites? eLearning could be your best bet.
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Want to reinforce learning post-course? Microlearning might do the trick.
Also worth noting: your choice of training methodology will influence how you manage, deliver, and track training - so having the right training management system in place is crucial.
Strategic considerations for leadership teams
Beyond choosing a methodology, there are bigger commercial questions training business leaders should be asking:
1. Are we too reliant on one delivery model?
Diversifying methodology can unlock new revenue streams. Adding eLearning or blended options can help you serve new sectors, reduce delivery costs, or operate more profitably during low-demand periods.
2. Can we scale without hiring?
If growth currently means growing your team, that’s a bottleneck. The right training management system gives you capacity to grow revenue without increasing headcount.
3. How are we using data to drive decisions?
accessplanit gives you real-time visibility of course profitability, trainer utilisation and learner engagement. These are the metrics that matter when you’re scaling a training business.
4. Are we protecting the learner experience as we grow?
Scaling often means more moving parts. Without a centralised system, learner experience suffers - especially in blended or multi-cohort programmes. accessplanit brings everything together in one place.
Final thoughts
Training methodology is a commercial strategy. It’s about making sure your delivery model can adapt; so you can protect your margins, stay competitive, and meet the needs of a market that’s increasingly digital, flexible, and shaped by learners themselves.
If you want to:
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Reduce operational overheads
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Scale your training delivery
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Launch new offerings faster
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Create a seamless experience for both clients and learners
…accessplanit is built to help you do it.
Book a personalised demo and see how we can help you turn smart methodology into a scalable training operation.
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