The importance of practical training

he things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them”. Those were the wise words of Aristotle, and still ring true to this day – especially when it comes to your studies. Though having a theoretical knowledge of any course you study is important, combining theory with practice is vital to help you learn better and understand more. Practical skills are proven to help you retain knowledge better, get a better feel of the work you can do when you graduate and even gain employment! Here are three top reasons why practical skills matter.

 

Improve learning

Theory provides the groundwork for learning about anything, but you can’t just learn by reading a concept; you actually have to see the concept in play to completely understand it. Real-life practical training gives a new learning experience and allows the knowledge to stay in your mind longer. For example, if you’re studying to become a massage therapist or a nail technician, learning to perform remedial massages or manicures, respectively, is not only necessary, but also helps you learn the techniques described in theory better.

Improves skills

Aside from improving learning, practical training adds another dimension and complements the theoretical knowledge that you need for your chosen career. Practical training helps you acquire the specific techniques that will become relevant when you start working in your chosen field. Learning the theory of beauty therapy is necessary, but actually designing and applying beauty treatments  for clients is much more relevant in a real-life setting. Same goes for massage therapy and nutritional medicine.

Get the career you want

Practical training is a great way to learn about what you like, what you want to do and what you can do, as well as learn more about other training and development opportunities available. Students would also often be working part time, casually or doing work experience alongside their studies, giving them an opportunity to better understand the day-do-day routine for their chosen career. Successful placements and practical training can even sometimes help you get jobs. Practical experience helps you get in contact with the right employers and create contacts and networks that can help you land your dream role.