It’s probably fair to say that all your clients want to learn skills that would get them closer to a better-paying career, and start their training motivated by that possibility. But sometimes, there are barriers that are larger than that motivation and that can lead to dropouts.
Structural barriers to workforce training can range from transportation and scheduling conflicts to childcare coverage and technology access. These common logistical layers are built into many adult learners’ lifestyles, and an issue with even one can derail training completion. Here’s a look at the common barriers clients may encounter and some practical solutions to help them stay on track.
1. Transportation Barriers
Getting to and from training sessions isn’t always straightforward. Whether trying to catch a ride with a friend, make it onto public transportation on time or deal with a car that routinely breaks down, your clients’ transportation struggles can lead to falling behind.
When clients don’t have access to reliable transportation, they’re much more likely to be a no-show. They may communicate this trouble, but it doesn’t solve the issue: They need to be present to progress in their studies.
Help them overcome this barrier by shifting their training to a fully online program. Online training, like that offered through MedCerts Partner Solutions, can be a pivotal way to eliminate this major hurdle. MedCerts has 55+ high-quality online programs in healthcare and IT designed to train adult learners for in-demand roles.
You can also use a preventive strategy. Early in the intake process, ask your clients about transportation access and whether they have a reliable way to get to their sessions. By asking early, you might resolve this barrier before problems arise.
2. Childcare and Family Responsibilities
Clients who balance caregiving responsibilities with their school studies often need flexible arrangements. Self-guided training can be one of the best ways to meet these challenges.
By avoiding a fixed timetable, these asynchronous courses let your clients fit in training around their personal schedule. Everyone’s schedule is unique to their home life. Depending on the situation, some clients might have more time in the mornings, while others are busy until late afternoon or evening.
Encourage your clients to enroll in online, self-guided programs that help them balance their childcare and family responsibilities. You could also help them set weekly SMART goals, or those that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely, that take current childcare needs into consideration.
These realistic time commitments can support their progress so they don’t become overwhelmed with other responsibilities. As with transportation barriers, it’s best to start strong with open communication by setting achievable expectations during your clients’ intake sessions.
3. Limited Technology Access or Digital Literacy
While clients can overcome the first two barriers with alternatives, their third potential barrier hinges on their ability to get online.
Online training requires reliable internet access for the duration of the program. It also requires basic digital literacy, or digital comfort, to use the tools efficiently and know what to do if issues arise. Not all clients have both of these — or even one — by default.
You can help your clients by connecting them to local resources. Some of the best options are public libraries and community centers. Most libraries nationwide have public-access computers that your clients can use for free, although there are time limits to make access fair. Community centers often have computer stations for public use during specific activity sessions. Some host digital literacy classes, too.
If your clients find public access too disruptive, they might reach out to nonprofit organizations in their region. Some, like EveryoneOn, can connect people to low-cost private computers or internet access by zip code and eligibility.
You can also help your clients connect to programs with built-in student support resources. MedCerts is a strong option with one-on-one Student Success Advisors who motivate and guide students on their digital learning path. Loaner laptops are also offered to students for the duration of their program when needed.
4. Scheduling Conflicts with Work
Clients may also face work conflicts that make it hard to attend in-person classes. What they need are training programs that don’t follow a fixed class schedule. Online training once again proves to be a superior solution to reducing training dropouts, as it helps adult learners fit schooling around daily work responsibilities.
By enrolling in asynchronous courses they can boost skill sets during off-hours while continuing to bring home an income. Upon graduation, they’ll be able to transition into new career opportunities without causing financial hardship in the preceding months.
As with their family responsibilities, your clients can benefit from weekly study plans that fit around existing obligations. Help them build realistic weekly plans that factor in time for coursework, study materials and exam sessions.
5. Financial Stress and Cost Concerns
Workforce funding can remove or reduce the financial hardships of education training. However, even with workforce funding, adult learners could still worry about the broader financial picture. Some of their worries may be course-related, as they may still be responsible for a percentage of training expenses — whether tuition, books, computer access or other materials.
Other clients might have concerns about managing reduced income during the transition or planning around an unpredictable budget. These concerns are separate from specific transportation and childcare barriers mentioned above, which they could alleviate with online programs.
Help your clients by setting clear, upfront expectations about the total time and financial commitment required for training. Having the full picture reduces the surprises that can lead to dropout. Cost plans go a long way toward reducing financial stress by helping adult learners know what they’re expected to pay for and when the payments are due.
MedCerts Workforce programs are designed to be flexible. The asynchronous structure and format allow students to sign in and complete work without disrupting their existing income and responsibilities. Programs also come with payment plans that help spread out the tuition costs, so your clients are less likely to drop out of their in-progress training.
Partner With MedCerts for Client Success
With a MedCerts partnership, you can help keep workforce training completion rates high. Many clients may struggle with the above barriers. By addressing them proactively during intake, you can reduce dropout, help clients achieve personal goals and contribute to a thriving workforce skilled in in-demand roles.
