In the second part of our series looking at the training cycle, we examine the process of sourcing and matching training to needs.
Once a development need has been established, training needs to be sourced to meet that need. There are three main sources:
Internally, with the learner working alongside or receiving tuition or advice from a colleague. Often known as 'sitting with Nelly', this method can provide an extremely valuable way of knowledge-sharing, particularly where job or organisation-specific knowledge is involved. Internally, through training provided by an internal trainer (common where training needs are widespread throughout an large organisation and occur regularly).Externally, from external providers.Although the last method may appear the most expensive, if costing out different options, it's important to include staff time set aside to deliver internal sessions, and costs of hosting a course internally, which could include internal costs,e.g. for room hire. The advent of e-learning has also meant that travel costs for staff attending external training can often be removed.
While the first two solutions can be relatively straightforward to arrange, once processes to support them have been put in place, the latter can often prove problematic. With training providers offering the whole gamut of development options, from action learning to zoology, certificated courses to hour-long learning 'blasts', seminars and e-learning, there's a whole range of small and large providers offering pretty much every intervention to help with your staff's development.
So, how do you go about finding the right one? It's by no means an exhaustive list, but here are some suggestions as to where to start (note that none of these are specifically recommended by TrainingZONE - if you have your own recommendations do post them to the bottom of this article).
If it's a professional qualification, or seminar session, try the association or associations involved with that particular profession.
If it's a technical course, try the provider of the software being used - if they don't offer training, they will almost certainly have details of companies which do.
Trade exhibitions often have seminar sessions attached to them which can prove a useful source of latest developments within an industry - examples of companies who organise profession-based events include Brintex, Reed Exhibitions and Imark Communications.
For short courses, try the TrainingZONE directory of providers who can deliver programmes in-house, or the directory of courses for open courses
If you're looking for a general course search covering evening courses, FE and short course programmes, learndirect offer a database of courses nationwide. Training Pages and Underoak offer a similar service.
If you're looking for training delivered through PC's or CDROMs (often known as e-learning), try the TrainingZONE suppliers directory. A few companies offer to take the hassle out of sourcing training by doing this for you for a fee - examples of companies providing this service include BTP, Training eBase and World of Training.
Training provision can be delivered in many different forms. Our next article in the series will look at the different forms of delivering training, and what they have to offer.
Additional reading
Robinne Collie's article on choosing a training providerRead recent questions from members on the subject of defining training needs here.Find training providers who can help with analysis of training needs here.Find courses and seminars on how to define and analyse training needs here.Read the first article in this series on assessing and defining needs.
