Finding the right digital training platform can be tough — that’s why we’re here to help. Every provider has unique selling points, approach to learning and training topics, but how do they compare to each other?
In this blog, we take a look at two of the big players — Udacity and General Assembly. Let’s get into some of the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Udacity
A training provider dedicated to transforming digital skills within the workforce, Udacity’s main point of difference is that it partners with leading companies to deliver training and knowledge.
The stats
- 70+% of graduates get promoted or land a better job.
- 60+ courses on job skills.
- 1400+ mentor network.
- Partners include: Google, Facebook, Mercedes-Benz and more.
- Has operations in the UK, Egypt, Germany, India and the UAE.
Source: Udacity
The pros
- Specialize in programming and computer science - Tech is what Udacity does best. This is backed up by the companies it partners with.
- Hybrid learning model - Learn online or in-person with hands-on projects.
- Projects that reflect the real world - Udacity believes in learning by doing. That’s why it provides several projects that involve real-world situations and examples.
- Work with industry partners to ensure relevance - Working with industry partners means knowledge and training are current and relevant.
- Customizable content - Content that can be tailored to meet the needs of an organization.
- Regularly update and refresh content - Content is regularly updated, ensuring quality and relevance.
The cons
- Syllabus breadth and depth is low - Specializing in certain content areas will work for some organizations, but reduces the opportunities and syllabus breadth for others.
- May lack independence in content - Working with industry partners may mean the training content isn’t as independent as competitors’.
- Price - Udacity sits at the more expensive end of the spectrum when comparing training providers.
General Assembly
If you’re looking for a new digital training platform, then the chances are you’ve come across General Assembly. It’s one of the most well-known providers out there, partly due to its campus style, in-person learning being its USP.
The stats
- 80,000+ global alumni.
- 20,000+ expert instructors.
- 19,000+ hiring partners.
- 30+ campuses worldwide.
- Clients and hiring partners include Microsoft, Google, Condé Nast, Visa and L’Oréal.
Source: General Assembly
The pros
- Direct relationships with hiring partners - Thousands of organizations work directly with General Assembly to hire their graduates.
- A variety of learning paths - Full-time, part-time, online, classes, workshops and events.
- Partner with expert industry professionals - Experts serve as instructors, mentors and coaches, delivering content, knowledge and learning that applies to real-life situations.
- Continually updating content and lessons - Dedicated to updating courses at least twice a year, focusing on feature improvements, enhanced content and more.
- Individual and company learning, with a range of payment plans to match - Select the right type of learning and the most accessible method of payment that works for you.
The cons
- Not fully online - This reduces the access learners have to the training. If not located near a campus, the accessibility of learning is limited.
- More expensive option - Although the training is of a high standard and the industry connections are valuable, it comes at a price.
- Real-time reduces flexibility - In a similar way that not being fully online restricts access, it also limits flexibility. Lessons and workshops are often scheduled, meaning learners might not be able to access training at a time that works best for them.
- Learners can’t learn at their own pace - Scheduled lessons and workshops do not allow learning in the flow of work or self-paced learning, which may result in learners being left behind.
Choosing the right platform for you
We’ve reached the conclusion of Udacity vs General Assembly. Now it’s time to decide which provider is best for you.
While both platforms have their benefits and drawbacks, finding the right partner is completely unique to your organization’s needs. It’s worth conducting an audit to determine your learning needs and goals, so you can then decide which platform aligns with what you’re trying to achieve.
Want the full comparison?
The options don’t end there. There are countless digital skills providers available, each with unique positives and negatives. Find out more about how they compare and find the provider that’s right for you in our complete comparison guide.
