Choosing the right course
When it comes to online training, picking the wrong course can cost you time and be demotivating. Whether you’re aiming to stay compliant or grow your skills, a little planning up front will make sure you get something that fits your needs (and your schedule).
What are my career goals?
Are you hoping for a promotion, struggling with certain tasks at work or wanting to move into a leadership role? Be specific about what you want to achieve so you don’t end up on the wrong course.
Team Leaders:
If you’re leading a team, start by thinking about where your biggest challenges are. Is staff engagement dropping? Are you struggling to motivate people or resolve conflicts? A leadership or communication course could give you new strategies to tackle those issues.
Kitchen Teams:
For kitchen staff handling food or front-of-house dealing with customers, compliance training might be more pressing. Refresher courses in food safety or service skills can help improve day-to-day operations and reduce risks.
Finance Teams:
In finance, training needs often focus on accuracy, compliance and keeping up with changing regulations. Courses on financial compliance, fraud prevention or risk management can help finance professionals stay ahead of audits and ensure they follow best practices.
Breaking your goals down into smaller steps can also help. You don’t need to solve everything at once. Focus on what will have the most immediate impact and take it from there.
If you’re responsible for your team’s training, ask yourself where the skill gaps are. Are there certain areas that keep causing problems? The right course can build confidence, improve performance and help your team feel more supported—leading to better staff retention.
Does the course fit my schedule?
Finding time to learn in hospitality can be tricky at the best of times. Long shifts, last-minute schedule changes—it’s a lot to handle. Look for courses with flexibility, on-demand content or short,manageable lessons you can fit in when it suits you. Leaders should think about their team’s workload too. Flexible training options can reduce stress and help staff stay engaged with learning, even on busy weeks.
Be honest with yourself about your time. If you can only spare an hour a week, don’t sign up for something that demands hours of study each day. Starting small and staying consistent often leads to better results.
Is the provider reputable?
Not all online courses are worth your time. You want a course that’s been developed by people who actually understand hospitality—not just a generic “business training” programme. Look for accredited providers and read reviews to see if other professionals found the course useful.
It’s also a good idea to ask around. Colleagues and peers may have already taken courses that worked well for them, saving you time and effort. Ask for their honest opinions—were the courses engaging? Did they offer practical skills that could be applied straight away? Were the instructors knowledgeable and supportive?
You can also look for reviews and testimonials on training provider websites or platforms like LinkedIn. Hearing how others have benefitted can help you gauge whether the course is worth your investment. Don’t just focus on the course description—real-world feedback can reveal what’s most useful and what to watch out for.
If your business has used a specific provider for compliance or leadership training in the past, your HR or training department may have recommendations as well. Leveraging existing contacts and networks can take the guesswork out of your decision.
Tip: Don’t just rely on flashy marketing. Look for real feedback and testimonials. Are people saying the course made a difference in their day-to-day work?
For leaders: Industry-specific training providers are often the best option for team-wide learning. They’re more likely to offer content that’s relevant to your business needs.
What’s included in the course?
Before you hit “enrol,” make sure you understand what you’re signing up for. Are you going to learn things you can put into practice straight away? Will you get any extra support, like downloadable materials or live sessions? And if there’s certification involved, think about how valuable it’ll be to your career.
Courses that include real-world scenarios tend to be more helpful than purely theoretical ones. Maybe check if the course offers extras, like discussion groups or networking opportunities.
For leaders: Certifications can help track staff development and provide proof of compliance when needed. They’re also great for boosting team morale—there’s nothing quite like the feeling of progress being recognised.
Taking a bit of time to choose the right course pays off in the long run. You’ll stay more motivated, and if you’re managing a team, you’ll see the benefits in better performance and higher retention..
Preparing for online learning
Even the best course won’t help you much if you’re not in the right mindset or environment to learn. Taking a bit of time to prepare can make all the difference in keeping your training on track and making sure you actually stick with it.
Here are a few simple steps to help you get set up:
Create a learning space
It doesn’t have to be fancy—a quiet corner or desk will do; the key is consistency. Having a dedicated spot where you can focus helps your brain switch into learning mode faster. Try to minimise distractions by turning off notifications and letting people around you know that you need some time to focus.
For team leaders, it’s worth encouraging staff to find spaces where they feel comfortable and productive. It’s a small step that can improve learning outcomes.
Organise your time
Everybody knows that hospitality shifts can be all over the place. If you wait for the “perfect” time to study, it’ll never come. Instead, plan ahead. Block out time each week, even if it’s just 30 minutes, and treat it like an appointment you can’t skip.
Make your schedule realistic. Overloading yourself with long study sessions will only lead to frustration and burnout. Short, regular sessions work best for retaining information and staying motivated.
For leaders, supporting your team’s time management is crucial. Check-in conversations about their training progress can help keep them accountable without adding pressure.
Get your resources ready
Make sure you have everything you need before you start. Is your internet connection reliable? Do you have access to any course materials or platforms? Knowing that everything is set up in advance can prevent those “technical glitch” moments from derailing your focus.
It’s also worth setting reminders to check your progress at key points. Being organised from the beginning makes it easier to stay on track when life gets busy.
Be realistic with your expectations
Online learning isn’t about perfection. Some weeks will be harder than others, especially if you’re managing shifts or other commitments. The important thing is to keep moving forward, even if you feel progress is slow.
If you’re leading a team, show empathy when things don’t go as planned. Staff may need extra time to complete their training so a little flexibility can go a long way in helping people stay engaged.
Getting prepared sets you up for success. It helps reduce stress and makes it easier to stay consistent with your learning—whether you’re training for compliance or personal development.
Tips for success during and after the course
Starting a course is one thing, however sticking with it and actually applying what you’ve learned is another. Whether you're completing your learning modules for compliance or career progression, these strategies will help you stay engaged and make the most of your training.
Get involved
Engaging with the course material will make it more valuable. If there are opportunities to participate—like group discussions, live sessions, or forums—get stuck in. Asking questions and hearing other perspectives can help solidify your understanding.
For team leaders, creating a learning culture where staff feel encouraged to share their experiences can boost engagement and help everyone learn from each other.
Apply what you learn right away
Don’t wait until you’ve finished the course to start using new skills. The sooner you put your learning into practice, the more likely it is to stick. Look for opportunities in your daily tasks to test out what you’ve learned—whether that’s improving communication, streamlining processes or adjusting how you handle compliance requirements.
Leaders can encourage this by offering opportunities for staff to try new skills in their roles and providing feedback on how it’s going.
Reflect and review
Learning doesn’t end when the course is over. Take a moment to reflect on what worked well, where you could improve and how the course content applies to your role. Regular check-ins with yourself (or your manager) can help you keep building on your progress.
If you're a leader, holding post-course discussions can be a great way to reinforce training outcomes. It shows that the business values ongoing development and helps staff see how their learning impacts their work.
Showcase your progress
Be proud of your achievements. If the course offers certification, update your LinkedIn profile, add it to your CV, and bring it up in performance reviews. Demonstrating your growth shows that you’re serious about your development and may open doors to new opportunities.
For leaders, recognising and celebrating staff achievements—big or small—can go a long way in boosting morale and motivation.
By staying engaged, applying new knowledge and reflecting on your progress, you’ll maximise the benefits of your training. Over time, these habits can help turn one-off courses into lasting career growth.
Ready to get the most from your online learning?
In this guide, we explored how to choose the right course, prepare for success, and make the most of your training during and after the course. Whether you’re looking to stay compliant or develop your career, these strategies will help you stay focused and achieve your goals.
At CPL Learning, we offer a wide range of online courses and training designed specifically for hospitality professionals. Our courses cover everything from compliance essentials to leadership and skill-building, all accessible through our hospitality learning management system.
Ready to take the next step in your development? Explore our training options and take control of your learning journey today.