How do you choose the right training partner in a sea of providers?
Any business that deems itself to be reputable in its sector must employ specialists with the right skills. Whether technical professionals offering a trade or ‘knowledge’ professionals working in an office, it’s imperative to ensure that everyone is suitably qualified to do their job.
One of the biggest challenges faced by organisations is finding a training provider that they can trust to deliver the quality of training to meet the required industry standards or otherwise.
What types of questions should businesses be asking as they search for their ideal learning partner?
Firstly, a lot depends on the nature of the training. If for example, you’re hiring tradespeople such as plumbers or electricians (or those working on a self-employed basis), then you will need to make sure that these people have the right qualifications. These will, of course, vary from country to country but typically some form of certification is required to prove the person’s competence, particularly in cases where the work being carried out can have serious consequences for people’s safety.
Made to measure
If we look at more business focused training, it’s important to look for specific experience, so if it’s sales or PRINCE2 training that’s required, you need to make sure your provider is an expert in the field. Customisation is one of the areas to consider – does the training partner have experience delivering courses at different levels ie beginners, intermediate or advanced? Do they have a track record of advising and designing bespoke, structured training programmes?
Just as any job seeker would do their pre-interview research, you would want to look at the company’s website to get a feel for the depth and breadth of their offering. Check to see who they’ve partnered with in the past and which sectors they specialise in. Case studies and client testimonials will reveal more about the versatility and adaptability of the provider as well as the results achieved.
Gap analysis
One of the important areas to consider is the structure and format of their courses. Can they provide an engaging e-learning platform or are all courses taught in a classroom environment? How innovative are the learning techniques deployed? Also, regarding ongoing support, will their trainers be available to monitor progress and answer questions?
There are a lot of questions that need asking before proceeding with a training provider, and crucially organisations must first understand where their current gaps are. To generate maximum impact the training must be tailored and aligned to the needs of the business with deliverables and processes clearly defined at the outset.
The right training provider will not only provide the course syllabus but act as a trusted partner, asking the right questions and analysing requirements. Tailored learning programmes can then be structured around the specific needs of the business, which will ensure the best return on investment and an optimal impact on employee effectiveness in the workplace.