What is it to be a trainer? Mike Morrison considers what new trainers and training managers need to know, and contemplates their perfect development path.

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You know the scene, you have been asked by your line manager to take on the role of company trainer. You accept. But what does this mean? You know that trainers teach people things they have not done before. So being a trainer is about sharing your experiences and skills... isn't it?

Who needs to be trained?

Well actually... employees may need help improving in their current role, preparing for promotion, or developing their leadership skills, so this is often much more than just about sharing your existing skills, although this is how it starts. So if this is the future role you will be undertaking what skills do you need?

What do trainers do?

The term 'training cycle' is often quoted; a typical representation of a training cycle is shown here:

Therefore, to be a trainer we need to be able to:

Identify training needs

Set objectives

Choose the right training methods and techniques

Implement and deliver training solutions

Evaluate training provided

Identifiying training needs

Before we can deliver any training we have to understand the needs of either the individual or group of employees: What knowledge do they currently have? What do they need to know, and what do they need to be able to do? Identification of training needs (training needs analysis TNA) is the identification of the gap you as a trainer should look to fill. Of course, any TNA should be completed within the context of the culture and business needs of the organisation and not in isolation.

Setting objectives

Once we know the gap, we can articulate this to managers, participants and learners and set targets. The ability to write a SMARTer goal should not be underestimated. Having clear goals can often mean the difference between effective and ineffective training.

Choosing training techniques

The use of self study, elearning and on-the-job coaching is reducing the need for traditional classroom-style delivery, although it still has its place. When designing training to fit an identified need we need to look at a blended solution.

This may include guided reading as well as a classroom or one-to-one coaching session. Often the delivery will be chosen for logistic and financial reasons rather than 'best practice'. However, as trainers we need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of all available solutions.

Delivering training

For many trainers this is where the job starts and finishes. Many trainers are handed content to deliver and they spend the majority of their time face to face with learners.

Building your training delivery skills can take a long time. Many people believe that because they are competent in a particular role they can train others easily. This is just not the case.

As trainers we need to account for a range of factors – learning preferences and needs, the skills and knowledge each individual brings to the room, our strengths and weaknesses, the basics of learning psychology, how to structure a session and why these factors are important.
So unfortunately, a one-day presentation skills course will not be enough. Being a trainer who works with groups is a little like learning to drive: the day you pass your test is the day you start to learn to drive. There are many courses that can get you your 'license' to train solo... but that is when you as a professional start to learn to train.

Evaluating training

It is all very well spending time and money on people, but did the training do what it was supposed to? The ability to measure learning and the success of training is vital to our profession. If we cannot show that we are adding value, why should they keep us on? Evaluation can occur at a number of levels. These are often referred to as Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation.

The four levels of Kirkpatrick's evaluation model essentially measure:

The reaction of the student - what they thought and felt about the training

Learning - the resulting increase in knowledge or capability

Behaviour – the extent of behaviour and capability improvement and implementation/application

Results - the effects on the business or environment resulting from the trainee's performance

Most train the trainer courses look at levels one and two, a few look at level three. Level four is more often a learning and development managers role, rather than the trainer.

Using the training cycle is only part of the picture, and any use of this process must be within the context of business and organisational requirements.

The perfect train the trainer course

In an ideal world what should a train the trainer course cover? This is a difficult one, as different trainers will have different priorities. But the following is a good start:

Carrying out a basic training needs analysis

Understanding the psychology of learning, the process of learning, learning styles, preferences, etc.

Structuring a learning event – lesson/session plans

Objective and outcome defining and writing

Delivery skills:

• Presentation skills


• Facilitation skills


• Demonstrations


• Facilitating learning exercises and activities


• Giving feedback

Managing questions

Managing behaviour in the training room

Using learning aids – flipcharts, models, videos etc.

Training room evaluation techniques

Public train the trainer courses

There are many train the trainer courses available. One of the better known is CTP (certificate in training practice) from the CIPD. This is a level three qualification, it normally takes a year, and is based more on underpinning knowledge than delivering skills. It's designed for those who are looking to build a career in training and development.

In IT training are two providers that stand out from the crowd – TAP from The Training Foundation and ELF from Matrix42. Both started in the IT world but have developed their products to the more general market. Both offer external certification for their courses. In both cases the programmes are a 'pass/fail' with unsuccessful participants not being awarded certificates. This is refreshing, as it is an attempt to improve the training delivery standards in the UK.

There are many providers which offer 'self awarded' certificates. There are also many that advocate advanced techniques... but lets get the basics right first and then develop!

Mike Morrison is director of RapidBI Ltd, a consulting and training company specialising in organisational development and the development of high performing teams and individuals. For more information go to www.rapidbi.com