The how

Knowing what an individual wants to get out of the training is a major step towards success, but even the best training course cannot deliver high levels of competency in a relatively short classroom-based programme. There are a number of actions that both the trainee and you, their manager, can take to increase the effectiveness of the training.

• Get the trainee to write down their learning objectives.
• If at all possible, pass these on to the trainer prior to the course taking place.
• Discuss how the trainee can apply the new knowledge they will have when they return to work.
• Discuss and agree what opportunities there will be for them to use new skills as soon as possible, and as often as possible, after they return to work.
• Agree a support programme – how often you will meet to review progress and tackle any problems that may arise.

This will create joint ownership and leave the trainee little opportunity to make excuses as to why the training has not been applied. We’ve all heard ‘I was too busy,’ or ‘The trainer didn’t explain that very well and I didn’t like to ask,’ and ‘I haven’t had the chance to use that since I got back.’ As they say, ‘Use it or lose it!’