Self-Served vs Trainer-Led Classes

In Nimbu, a Class is the specific, live environment where training is delivered to students. To accommodate different training needs, Nimbu provides two distinct delivery models: Self-Served and Trainer-Led.

While a Self-Served class prioritises automation and independent study, a Trainer-Led class focuses on structured guidance and expert-led assessment. Understanding the mechanics of each ensures that your RTO can deliver everything from "pay-and-play" professional development to high-stakes accredited qualifications.

What's Covered in This Article

This article outlines the functional and operational differences between the two class types in Nimbu.

Key Differences: Comparing automation levels, enrollment, and content access.
Self-Served Workflow: Automated creation and instant student access.
Trainer-Led Workflow: Supervised delivery and manual activation.
Selection Strategy: When to use each model and their respective limitations.

Comparison of Class Types

Feature	Self-Served Classes	Trainer-Led Classes
Class Creation	Auto-created when the course is published.	Manually created by an Admin.
Enrolment	Students enrol directly via Online Registration.	Students are manually added or bulk-imported.
Trainer Role	Trainer is assigned but does not need to activate content.	Trainer actively manages content activation and marking.
Content Access	Available immediately upon enrolment — no trainer activation required.	Controlled by the trainer via manual activation.

Self-Served Classes (Automated)

Self-Served classes are built for scalability and on-demand access. They are ideal for programs where students need to register and begin studying without waiting for trainer intervention.

Auto-Created Class: When a Self-Served course is published, Nimbu automatically creates a class linked to that course. Students who register via Online Registration are enrolled into this class — the class is not created per student, but exists as a single shared instance.
No Trainer Activation Required: Students can access all available units immediately upon enrolment. If content prerequisites are configured within the units, sequential completion rules still apply. See the Content Prerequisites article for more detail.
eCommerce Ready: Seamlessly integrates with Stripe Connect to allow for immediate access upon payment.
Trainer Still Assigned: A trainer is assigned to the class and can still mark submitted work. The Self-Served model removes the need for manual content activation, not trainer involvement entirely.

Trainer-Led Classes (Supervised)

Trainer-Led classes provide the structured environment required for accredited VET delivery and programs that involve complex skill demonstration or supervised assessment.

Manual Activation: Trainers control when students can access assessments and observations, setting open times and due dates to keep the cohort on track.
Expert Marking: Supports open-ended questions and practical Observations that require a trainer to evaluate and record results.
Multiple Classes: Multiple Trainer-Led classes can be created from the same course blueprint, each with its own cohort, trainer, and delivery schedule.
Structured Delivery: Well suited to face-to-face workshops, scheduled webinars, or any delivery requiring group coordination and trainer oversight.

Strategic Use and Limitations

When to Use Each Type

Self-Served is best suited for:

Short, non-accredited professional development or workplace inductions.
Fully online, self-paced programs that require no trainer supervision to unlock content.
Courses sold directly to students via Online Registration and Stripe.

Trainer-Led is best suited for:

Nationally accredited qualifications requiring practical skill demonstration.
Programs with intensive feedback requirements or high-stakes assessments.
Cohort-based delivery where a trainer needs to manage pace and progression.

What is a Class?
Setting: Self-Served Courses
Content Activation