Keep reading for more insights from Tracey Dowcra, Learning and Development Manager for WWP Training. 
7. Do you feel that training and development is underrated? If so how can training professionals improve its credibility?
On the whole, I believe training and development is valued, but individual training professionals do not always feel valued as they are often off-site and classroom-bound, so it is difficult for them to feel integrated and included. Whilst they do make the effort, it is not easy for them due to the nature of their role but is counter-balanced my management communication and feedback.
8. How do you prove the value of your department within your organisation?
I have implemented a regular weekly update on what the training team is up to, which goes to all staff to raise the profile of the team. Mainly, we need to get more communication and two way interaction across the sales and training teams and we have started to arrange social events to kick this off.
9. What is the biggest current challenge for your department?
Balancing the needs of the business with time for the trainers’ own development.
10. What do you see as the main challenges for training professionals in the next five years?
I believe training professionals will become more consultative, and coaching and facilitation will increase as they work closely with business managers to integrate training and development into business strategies from the top down.
11. What influences do you think have had the greatest impact on the training sector in recent years?
E-learning / CBT, focus on costs in all organisations means that training activities need to be linked to the bottom line.
12. What is the best lesson you can pass on?
As long as you are an expert in learning and development, don’t be fazed if you are not an expert in every subject – use those who are and your own skills to facilitate and create a learning experience instead of setting yourself up to be “the expert”– you will always be found out!
Previous career profiles can be seen on the How Did I Get Here? page.
