Ever been stuck to get a training programme up and running, only to realise that creating custom content takes more time and money than you expected?
Have you been in a position where you’ve sent out quotes for custom elearning and have been shocked by the prices that you’ve received?
What if there was a quicker answer, without much of the hassle?
Did you know that off-the-shelf elearning content might be the answer?
Why It Works
Off-the-shelf elearning content lets you get high-quality training in place fast.
It’s affordable, easy to implement, and saves you the time and cost of developing custom content.
If you get the right supplier you can deploy the content straight away.
The Basics
- Affordable and Quick: Off-the-shelf content is often cheaper and faster to deploy than creating custom training from scratch.
- Speed and Flexibility: You can start training your team immediately, without waiting weeks or months for development.
- Up-to-Date: Pick the right provider and you’ll get new content via their elearning content roadmap, so you get relevant and current training materials.
How It Helps You
Using off-the-shelf content saves you time and money. It’s the perfect solution for companies with tight budgets or urgent training needs.
The content can be integrated easily with your existing Learning Management Systems (LMS) or Learning Experience Platforms (LXP).
Don’t have an LMS or LXP? Don’t worry! There are providers who can provide access to the off the shelf courses via their own cloud platform.
What People Are Saying
Scott Hewitt says, “Off-the-shelf content gives great value for your money, especially when budgets are tight.”
Ideas to Try
- Check Multiple Providers: Don’t stick with just one. Different providers offer different strengths, so do your research.
- Look for Bundles with Reporting Tools: Some platforms offer content along with easy-to-use reporting tools to track your progress.
How to Get Started
Start by reviewing the options out there and choosing the courses that best fit your needs. If you mix and match content from different providers, you can ensure that you cover all areas your team needs to learn.
Quality Is Important
Custom content is not always the best or most cost-effective option. Off-the-shelf courses can deliver great results, but the key is to choose quality content and integrate it properly into your training plan.
Maximise Your Training Budget with Off-the-Shelf Elearning Content
More organisations are choosing off-the-shelf elearning content to get the most out of their training budgets.
Here’s why:
- Cost-Effective: Off-the-shelf content is usually cheaper than creating custom training (elearningindustry.com).
- Widespread Use: A lot of training budgets are spent on off-the-shelf materials, showing that they are a popular choice (litmos.com).
- Keeps Employees Longer: 76% of employees are more likely to stay with an employer that offers ongoing learning opportunities (ispringsolutions.com).
- Fast to Deploy: Off-the-shelf courses can be set up quickly to address immediate needs (openlms.net).
- Always Improving: Quality providers update their courses to ensure they stay relevant (openlms.net).
The Challenge of Custom Content
Have you ever rushed to get a training programme in place, only to realise that creating custom content takes more time and resources than you thought? There are other options available.
Off-the-Shelf Content Is the Answer
Scott Hewitt shares, “The biggest advantage of off-the-shelf content is that it gives you good quality material without the high price tag, especially in today’s budget-conscious climate. You can get great quality content for your money, making it perfect for companies trying to maximise their spend.”
Easy to Get Started
It’s like buying a ready-to-play video game. You pay, and it’s ready to go. No waiting for custom development, and you can start training your team right away.
Many providers even bundle the content with Learning Management Systems (LMS) or Learning Experience Platforms (LXP), so you don’t have to worry about anything extra.
How to Find the Right Content
How do you choose the best off-the-shelf content? Simple. Look at industry events, exhibitions, or ask your LMS or LXP provider about their content partners.
You can buy individual courses, bundles, or even whole libraries of content. There are options available. You need to do some research, this doesn’t need to take time, but be detailed and look beyond the noise!
Scott Hewitt advises, “It’s important to look at several providers. There are some great options out there, and a solid review process will help you find what fits best for your needs. Don’t just settle for compliance training—there’s plenty of high-quality content for all types of learning.”
Debunking the Myths
A common myth is that off-the-shelf content is low quality and won’t be used. Scott Hewitt disagrees, saying, “If you pick the right content and promote it well, people will engage. The problem is when you push out poor-quality content, it leads to low engagement.”
Making Sure It Works for You
Before jumping in, make sure the content is right for your needs. Review the quality and relevance, and check that it works with your platform. If you need reporting tools or don’t have an LMS or LXP, platforms like OpenSesame can provide both the content and tracking tools to measure success.
Why Speed and Flexibility Matter
Off-the-shelf content can be quick to implement, making it ideal when you need to get training live in days, not weeks.
While custom content offers a fully tailored solution, off-the-shelf content is flexible and scalable. Just remember to plan ahead—choose the right courses and set up access levels to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Mixing Providers for Flexibility
No one provider covers everything.
Mixing and matching from different providers allows you to meet all your training needs. Plus, the pricing is simple—like a subscription service where you pay one fee for a lot of content.
This makes budgeting easier, and many providers offer free updates too.
Off-the-Shelf Content Will Always Have a Place
Scott Hewitt says, “Off-the-shelf content will always have a place in corporate training. It saves time, fits into your overall learning strategy, and offers flexibility. And the best part? You can always add custom content later to complement it.”
Next Steps: Make the Most of Your Budget
Ready to make your budget work harder? Start by reviewing the options out there, selecting the best providers, and maximising your training budget with off-the-shelf content.
FAQs
How do you create a budget for a training programme?
To create a training budget, start by assessing the total cost—including content, platforms, staff, and any additional resources. Allocate funds based on priorities and adjust the budget as needed.
What is off-the-shelf content?
Off-the-shelf content is pre-made training material that’s ready to use. It’s a fast and cost-effective way to cover topics like compliance, leadership, or technical skills.
How do you manage budget training?
Managing budget training involves selecting cost-effective solutions, like off-the-shelf content, prioritising key topics, and tracking expenses to stay within budget.
What is the formula for a training budget?
A training budget includes:
- The number of employees to be trained
- Cost per course or content provider
- Platform fees (LMS/LXP)
- Development or customisation costs
- Miscellaneous expenses (e.g. assessments or travel)
Add them all up, and you’ll know exactly what your training budget looks like.
