CCS Articles
Is this the right course for me? 5 things to Consider Before Buying any CCS Candy Training Course.
Written by Kobus le Roux
One question I frequently encounter from potential trainees is: "Is this the right course for me?"
In this article, I'll outline five key considerations to aid you in deciding whether a course is a perfect fit for your needs.
It's important to clarify upfront that our existing course is designed exclusively around the Planning/Scheduling aspects of CCS Candy's software. If you're seeking an Estimating course, ours won't be a suitable choice. In this case, we recommend you explore the estimating training courses available on RIB CCS's website.
However, if your daily tasks involve project management, site supervision, contract administration, quantity surveying, or engineering, or if you're a principal agent handling construction and engineering projects, and you're keen to learn how to plan, track, and manage projects using CCS Candy's Planning module, our course could be an excellent choice for you.
But before rushing to hit that "Enroll Now" button, take a moment to consider these factors that can help you determine if this course aligns with your needs:
1. Evaluate Your Current Competency Level
Before embarking on any course, it's critical to gauge your current skill level. Are you a beginner with no prior experience, an intermediate user with some hands-on experience, or an advanced user with extensive software exposure?
Our course is tailored for beginners and intermediate users who have yet to receive formal training on Candy's Planning module.
If you're an advanced user, our course might not be your best choice. You may want to explore RIB's advanced options on their website.
2. Understand Your Learning Style
Recognizing your learning style is crucial when selecting any course. Are you a self-starter who thrives setting your own pace and schedule, or do you prefer a structured environment with a set curriculum and deadlines?
Our course is an on-demand video course, allowing you to access lessons anytime, anywhere. This format supports in-depth learning, as you can pause the video, practice concepts, and revisit specific sections as needed. Past students have often shared that one of the strengths of our course lies in its flexibility. They appreciate not having to maintain pace with live instruction, and instead, enjoy the freedom to progress at a pace that suits their learning style. This flexibility enables them to pause the course as required, applying what they've learned before moving on. This individualized approach fosters deeper understanding and greater skill retention.
However, this method doesn't facilitate real-time interaction and requires substantial self-discipline. If you favor a structured learning environment with immediate Q&A opportunities and live student interactions, our on-demand video course might not align with your learning style. In this case, you might want to consider RIB's live in-person courses.
3. Assess Your Availability and Time Flexibility
Your life circumstances significantly influence your learning capacity. Are you juggling multiple responsibilities or based on a remote construction site in Zambia?
Availability is a critical factor in course selection. Be sure the course's time commitment fits into your lifestyle. A self-paced course might be the best option if your time is limited or if you're in a remote location. On the other hand, if you have more time to dedicate and prefer the benefits of real-time interaction, a live in-person course could be a better fit.
4. Consider Your Budget
Naturally, budget is a crucial factor when opting for any course. Are you personally investing in the course to improve your skills, or is your company funding your training?
Our online course is priced at R3,897*, comparatively less than an equivalent live in-person course from RIB, which is R6,050* excluding any travel and accommodation expenses.
However, remember that the price alone doesn't determine the course's suitability for you.
If you are wondering why certain courses cost more than others, have a look at another relevant article I wrote on the topic.
Related Articles:
How much should a training course cost? - A Buyer's Guide
5. Identify Your Learning Objectives
Finally, it's essential to recognize your learning objectives. Is your goal to boost your resume, enhance your existing skills, earn CPD points, or apply new knowledge directly to your current job?
Our course doesn't merely impart theoretical knowledge; it equips you with practical skills to schedule real-world construction projects using CCS Software. But note that neither our course, nor RIB's is currently accredited for CPD points. If career advancement is crucial to you, RIB offers a more widely recognized certificate.
Conclusion
Selecting the right course isn't a minor decision. Still, with these five key considerations, you're better prepared to choose a course that aligns with your needs, lifestyle, and career objectives.
Remember, the primary goal of learning is to enhance your skills, improve your performance, and unlock new opportunities. So choose wisely, and happy learning!
* Please note that the prices quoted are accurate as of the time of publication of this article.
