Training is one of the most important mechanisms used by CARS to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from the research community to individuals, agencies and organizations. With an ever evolving workforce and rapid expansion in evidence-based knowledge, training is a crucial tool for ensuring staff competencies and awareness.

On-Site Training

CARS conducts over 200 on-site training events each year. Training sessions can be for small staff at a single agency to events involving hundreds of participants from many different agencies and organizations. All training events, regardless of the number of participants, involve a structured planning process that identify topics, trainers, location and logistical support to ensure the most appropriate event is presented to the client. The CARS team will work with an individual or group organization to co-host training events. All planning logistics, registrations and training material are provided by CARS’ staff. All training sessions are evaluated and results are provided to the client within a week of the scheduled event.

CARS has developed scores of curricula specific to the needs of clients and to the broader community. In a number of instances, CARS staff and consultant have taken the initiative in developing state-of-the-art training curriculum highlighting advances in the prevention field. All trainings presented by CARS include comprehensive trainee materials, particular criteria and choices in training formats (half days to multiple days).

On-line Training

CARS has significantly expanded capacity to provide evidence-based training through a strong catalogue of on-line training courses. Our on-line training increases access to any participant with access to the internet. Courses are brief (approximately one hour on-line) and focus on fundamental skills. Courses use adult learning approaches tested for effectiveness. To date, the online university offers more than 25 courses focusing on skills in prevention and working with youth. New courses are added quarterly. CARS’ online training service includes the following features:

• Self-Paced Scheduling – All courses are available 24/7 and allow participants to stop and rejoin the course at their own pace.
• Regular Reinforcement – All courses include regular feedback on responses to questions to reinforce comprehension.
• Audio Enhancement – Most courses offer a choice of audio narrative according to learner preferences.
• Interactive Learning – Courses include point and click interactions that allow elaboration of specific points, and increase learner involvement.
• Participant Tracking – the on-line training system documents participation, completion and test scores for for agencies that request it.
• Testing – All online courses include a brief test of acquired knowledge and skills at the conclusion of the training.
• Certificate of Completion – Participants can access and print a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the course.
• Custom Course Development – CARS offers course development services to meet the training needs of individual agencies.
• Custom Branding – CARS offers custom design of the portal page to brand courses for specific agencies and programs