A Strategic Guide to Crafting and Delivering a Training Program

Significance

Conducting workplace orientations or upskilling based on generic instructional modules is easy. There are numerous learning management systems available that can help with this. Creating and implementing training programs from scratch is more challenging, especially when organizations want to address the specific learning needs of their workers. But this is incredibly important as it would result in numerous benefits, mainly the following:

• Improves Overall Performance – A well-defined training program bridges skill gaps and addresses outdated knowledge. Enhancing specific skills and knowledge leads to improved job performance.
• Better Retention and Adaptability – Employee engagement is guaranteed when workers like what they are learning. And because workers gain the tools to resolve issues and adapt to changes through targeted training, the company also ensures adherence to industry regulations and standards.
• Increases Employee Satisfaction – Employees appreciate investment in their professional development. This boosts their morale, making them feel like they are vital members of the organization. Companies that invest in their workers do not have to worry about high turnover rates.

The 6-Step Process of an Effective Training Program

A one-size-fits-all approach in training does not yield the best results. With sincere commitment from top leadership, a good amount of time, and adequate resources, Human Resources (HR) professionals, program managers, and department supervisors can effectively follow these six steps when managing a training campaign:

Assess Actual Needs

The first step in this complex process is to identify the needs of the workers and the organization as a whole. Companies must tailor the program to address these skill gaps and industry challenges. Performing a needs analysis improves decision-making, targets priorities, and ultimately enhances the workflows required when planning and delivering courses.

Set Precise Objectives

Training managers need to define clear learning goals and objectives. By neglecting this step, professionals may get distracted with too many unrelated or non-essential topics. On the other hand, they can create a clear roadmap and predict possible outcomes when objectives are defined.

Carefully Develop Content

Effective training content combines relevant information and engagement. There are numerous ways to manage this, but here are a few tips that could help:

• Break down complex concepts so they are more mentally digestible.
• Ensure clarity by using simple and consistent language and avoid jargon or technical terms that workers have not heard of.
• Incorporate practical exercises and case studies to promote hands-on learning.
• Encourage participant interaction through discussions, Question and Answer (Q&A) sessions, or forums.

By taking these into consideration, the program becomes a powerful tool for knowledge retention and skill development.

Choose The Best Delivery

Determining the best method for delivering the content is crucial for success. Consider the nature of the subject matter, the workers’ preferences, and the allowable resources. Here are a few examples to use:

• In-person workshops
• Live or pre-recorded webinars
• Online, bite-sized courses
• Diverse multi-media with interactive modules
• Blended learning

Managers can determine preferences by sending out questionnaires to employees. Learning and development managers should also include possible time constraints and desired goals in the pre-training surveys.

Evaluate Retention Extensively

Post-training evaluation is incredibly vital to assess the effectiveness of the campaign. It provides valuable insights into what the workers learned, how they used their knowledge at work, and the expertise of the training managers and coordinators. Here are some methods to use:

• Kirkpatrick Taxonomy Method (Reaction – Learning – Behavior – Results)
• Philips ROI (Return on Investment) Model
• CIRO Model (Program and Organizational Goals Comparison)

Utilizing a combination of these methods and collecting data from numerous sources will yield better results, helping the company work on the next step.

Make the Necessary Adjustments

The final stage of the process is fine-tuning the program based on the results of the evaluations. It involves revising the content, delivery methods, and objectives based on the feedback received or evaluation conducted. There’s also the possibility that the organization’s needs have changed based on the industry’s evolution.

Whichever the reason is, this phase of the employee training program ensures continuous improvement and adaptability, keeping the company and its workforce competitive.

Leveraging Technology for Success

Technology plays a crucial role in modernizing and enhancing the creation and implementation of workplace learning and development. Here are three notable examples that organizations should utilize to facilitate efficient training:

• Training Management System – This software solution streamlines many related administrative tasks, including resource allocation, course creation, documentation, real-time progress tracking, and evaluation.

Transform traditional training approaches and ensure success for the entire team by utilizing the SafetyCulture Training feature. This highly versatile and scalable mobile-first platform provides a centralized hub for all training materials, making organization and updating easier. Users can also track and analyze individual and group progress in real-time, facilitating more efficient evaluation.

• E-Learning Platforms or LMS – Learning management systems focus on delivering educational content online. These digital platforms often add multimedia elements and interactive assessments (e.g., quizzes and tests) that impart knowledge and engage users. Best of all, these allow individuals to progress through a topic at their own pace.
• Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality – This technology immerses users in realistic environments, allowing hands-on experiences without the usual dangers in actual demonstrations. Organizations that operate in high-risk industries like firefighting, aviation, and mining use AR and VR often.