We’ve been called in to train in organisations where lots of attention has been paid to the logistics of how the training will happen. However, we have also experienced a variety of *issues* (or challenges), as we like to call them, that happen during the training. Some of these can be easily avoided and can help the event be far more successful. Hopefully some of these tips will help you if you are planning on hosting a training event for your staff….
Provide a suitable and quiet area for the training. Unbelievably we once trained in a corridor, and a colleague we know delivered some training in a converted mortuary room (don’t like the sound of that one too much).
Try to ensure there are no interruptions during the training. You might think it is a good idea to have the training delivered on the reception desk so that the receptionist can be trained and answer phones at the same time along with dealing with visitors but the interruptions will mean they don't get as much from the training. They probably won’t be a very effective ‘receptionist’ either on that day.
Observe the maximum numbers advised by the training provider – this is for a reason so everyone gets the chance to ask all the questions they need to and fully participate.
Hold a pre-course briefing with staff to find out what they want to get from the training. You might find out that they (or you) have completely unrealistic expectations that you can challenge and address beforehand. We often train people who say they have ‘no idea’ why they have been asked to attend.
Your training provider should be able to give you ‘training needs analysis’ forms (TNAs) if you need them. These will help you and the delegates work out what needs to be covered and what level the learners are currently at. Do try and work with the training provider as they will have your best interests at heart to ensure everyone gets the most from the course.
Don't put someone who is an Excel novice on an intermediate Excel course, just to fill the seat. Again, this is frustrating for everyone as the other learners may feel held back by the skills of the novice, while the novice may quickly feel out of their depth. This also makes the trainer’s job harder to ensure everyone gets what they need from the training event.
Make sure the room is suitable and big enough, enough power points, with a computer each, so that everyone can try out new skills and make the necessary mistakes in order to learn. We often say that you don’t learn to drive by sitting in the passenger seat, and attending a computer course is no different.
Tell the training company what times you want to work around if necessary – a good training provider should be able to accommodate a later start, earlier finish, unusual break times and so on to fit in with your company requirements.
Let the training provider know in advance if you have any specific requirements such as a learner with additional needs, so that they can make sure everyone is happy and comfortable.
Book bespoke training if you need it. If you want a course that is somewhere between the standard levels, for example is a higher level than introduction level, but not quite intermediate, then discuss this with the training provider in advance. This really shouldn’t be an issue.
Sometimes a workshop approach to training may suit your staff better. This means staff can bring along specific documents that they want to work with or have issues with so they can make best use of the time.
To summarise, a training provider worth their salt, really cares about helping your staff and ultimately your company to be more productive, so do work with them to make sure your learning event is a huge success!
At Paramount Training Solutions we can help you ensure that you don't fall into any training pitfalls. Give us a call to see how we can help.