learndirect Blog

Mentors play a huge part in the personal and professional development of others. So much so that 67% of businesses have shown an increase in productivity because of mentoring relationships. This coupled with the wide-raging benefits of becoming a mentor has seen the number of mentors increase considerably. Without a national regulation for becoming qualified, anyone can offer these services. Many individuals form mentoring relationships with friends, family members, co-workers, former...

The concept of distance learning is not new. In fact, while we now recognise it as dynamic internet provided education, it first appeared by post many years ago. As it has evolved in its sophistication over the years, its popularity has gained momentum. With it now so commonplace in society, many people question if distance learning is better than traditional classroom learning. The answer to which is not so clear cut. Whether something is better or worse largely depends on how well it...

Mentoring relationships are commonplace in schools, universities, religious communities and youth development programmes. Though, we are perhaps most familiar with their use in the workplace. Since they continue to be used in place of traditional training methods. Traditional job training can only do so much in terms of providing employees with meaningful development opportunities. Participants often don’t retain what they’ve learnt all that well. And it can be easy to slip into old...

There are numerous non-monetary benefits to becoming a mentor. Not only can you enhance your own career prospects, you too will develop new skills while helping others succeed. For these and many other reasons, mentors often want to give back and offer their services for free. This is great if you’re mentoring alongside a paying career. However, many mentors want to dedicate their lives to helping others. In this instance, mentoring becomes their career. As the benefits of mentoring...

Absolutely, distance learning is just as valuable as on-campus education and in some respects arguably more so. There are many reasons students see value in online education. Aside from the fact that regulated qualifications provided on and offline are the same, its flexibility is the real appeal. Traditional campus education is restrained by its rigid structure and expense. By operating online, distance learning providers aren’t bound by so many variables. They have more freedom to...

Dog grooming is a profession that allows you to be both hands-on and creative. It also positions you to play an active part in maintaining the health and welfare of canine pets. Something which all dog lovers are passionate about. Aspiring dog groomers have several routes they can choose from to access this thoroughly enjoyable career. Since there are no specified requirements, you can get into the role through apprenticeships or on the job training. Dog grooming qualifications and...

Dog grooming is an important area of the pet sector as it is an essential part of canine care. Lots of dog breeds need groomers to keep them living healthily and happily. Removing mattes, checking for parasites and identifying health issues all fall within the dog grooming realm. What’s more, it’s also a genuinely enjoyable profession to be in. You get to spend all day with adorable dogs. Often groomers are their own boss, so you can set your hours and work on your terms. Being in...

The modern zoo is a far cry from the cliché images of the past. Then animals were held captive primarily for the amusement of onlookers. Today, zoos carry out essential conservation work, supporting breeding programmes for endangered species around the world. They also educate the public, giving them the opportunity to learn about these remarkable animals and how they can help. For some animals, captivity is the safest place for them. Climate change, poaching and other factors have...

The way we are educated has evolved significantly over time. As technology has become more advanced, it has allowed for a shift towards dynamic online learning platforms. Now, the learning environment has shrunk into something you can carry with you. So long as you have an internet connection and device to access it, you can learn anywhere at any time. Online education is now a common and popular alternative to traditional educational institutions. You can study anything from...

There is so much more to being a dog groomer than simply bathing dogs. Any dog groomer worth their salt has invested time to learn the many aspects of safely caring for dogs hygienically.   They understand canine anatomy, diseases, skin conditions and the various parasites dogs can contract. How to implement safety and first aid measures, pre-treatment, bathing and drying techniques and grooming styles. They can confidently assess ear, eye, teeth, feet and bum health. Plus, they...

Distance education is an empowering alternative to traditional teaching methods. At this time, it is the most flexible way a person can learn. A good choice for those wanting to call the shots on how they reach their educational goals. Distance education gives you the chance to study a huge number of courses that cater to almost every niche. Whether they be for academic progression, career acceleration or personal pleasure. No matter your reason for returning to education, committing...

Coaching and mentoring are effective development approaches that are growing in popularity for both personal and professional growth. They typically use one-to-one sessions to work with an individual to enhance their skills, knowledge or performance. Helping them to unlock their potential and achieve set goals. Their services can be philanthropic, though in most instances they are offered on a paid basis by professionals. While there are many overlapping qualities, the two...

Business mentors take many forms. They can help business professionals take charge of their careers or guide business owners to make prosperous business decisions. Allowing both to achieve greater success and fulfilment in their business lives, by setting smart goals and taking action. In either form, they motivate business professionals to want and achieve higher levels of performance. Acting as a partner in the process and reflecting on their experience to help you make fewer...

Becoming a dog groomer is an extremely rewarding career for dog-lovers. In fact, most dog groomers are highly satisfied with their work. Which makes sense when you think they’re spending the day with adorable pooches. But more than that, dog groomers actually play a very important role in dog care. They help maintain the dog’s overall hygiene and decrease the chances of health problems. You’ll check dogs for cuts, bruises and parasites. As well as educate pet owners on how to...

Online learning has gained continual momentum and, to this day, show no signs of slowing down. This is because it provides a host of different benefits to on-site education. The fewer expenses and resources required to run online courses tend to make them cheaper and increases course variety. Plus, online learning means you can study from home. So, less travel is required and generally, you have a more flexible learning experience. That being said there are still many who are...