This week, I met up with our Professional Skills Trainer, Louise Tythe, to find out about the benefits of in-company training. I asked Louise for her top tips for both companies organising in-house training and staff attending the courses so I could share them with you here.
The benefits of in-company training
If you have several staff wanting to do the same training course, then running it at your company premises is often a more cost effective option. It can save time away from the workplace and cut travel costs.
The really great thing about in-house training is that the course can be designed to meet the specific needs of the delegates and the company. “Take time to explain your training needs in detail to the trainer. Request a course outline from the trainer and work with them until you get it exactly right,” says Louise.
Tips for companies thinking about running in-company training
“Carry out a Training Needs Analysis (TNA),” says Louise. “By doing this, you will identify training needs within the company allowing you to invest in training which will really help your staff with their personal development, in turn helping the business to succeed.” It follows that staff will be more engaged if the training offered is relevant to their job and on-going development.
Once you’ve decided on which course to run, Louise advises that you book it into diaries early, “It sounds obvious, but it’s the best way to ensure everyone is available to attend.”
It’s important to explain to individuals the reasons why they have been invited to attend the course and the purpose of running it in the company, “Be sure to brief everyone on the course aims and objectives,” says Louise. “Explain what you expect the outcome to be and how you plan to help staff embed the learning after the training event. Highlight the benefits to the individual as well as the company.”
Tips for delegates attending an in-company training course
“Make sure you know what the course is about and why you are attending so that you can make the most of the learning opportunity being offered to you,” says Louise.
It pays to be prepared by completing any pre-course work on time and jotting down any questions you have on the topic beforehand so that you have something to contribute during the course.
“Arrive to the course on time and avoid the temptation to go back to your desk during breaks as this can lead to delays in re-joining the session,” advises Louise.
Tips for making sure your training runs smoothly
“Book a suitable room as early as possible to ensure you have it for the day you need it,” suggests Louise. It’s also a good idea to speak with the trainer to find out how the room should be laid out and any equipment you need to provide on the day.
“Always send clear joining instructions to all delegates ensuring times have been agreed with the trainer,” says Louise. “Provide any pre-course work well in advance and monitor that it has been completed to help staff prepare for the course. Finally, remember to exchange contact details with the trainer in case of any last minute changes.”
Transferring the learning to the workplace
There are many things that companies can do to help staff make the most of what they have learnt and apply it in the workplace after the training course has taken place.
Completing a Personal Development Plan (PDP) with each staff member means that they have a set of personal learning objectives. “Add the training course to their PDP,” says Louise. “Work together to set specific learning objectives for during and after the course, and always set realistic timescales.”
It’s a good idea to sit down together again after the course to discuss what was learnt and what you can both do to ensure that they utilise their new skills and knowledge. You might even want to re-visit the PDP and update it with further objectives and timescales for completion. “The de-brief process and re-visiting the PDP helps ensure staff use what they have learnt straight away – not months later when they may have forgotten most of it,” advises Louise.
Learning is a continuous cycle throughout our careers. Louise concludes that, “Another TNA after 6 months should show that the skills gap has been filled across most of the company/department. You will, however, always find new skills gaps in a TNA and the training cycle will begin again.”
The IET run a range of training courses in-company. To find out more please visit our website www.theiet.org/company-training
Let us know what you think
What are you experiences of organising or attending in-company training courses? Please share them with us by commenting below.
If you have a question about training, please feel free to post it in the comments section below or contact Louise Tythe or Caroline Shipp directly.