Preparing the Training Program
A training program is a series of training sessions that provide a logical flow to your instruction. Taking the time to prepare training sessions will give you:
- A guide on where the trainees are at a given moment in time and where they are going
- A record of training
- A benchmark for other trainers to take your sessions
- A document to review your own performance
- A base for further training
Without a training plan, you could risk:
- Not covering vital steps in the training program
- Participants losing interest because of the illogical flow of your session
- Resources not being available to conduct the session
The Training Environment
The delivery approaches range from:
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The way the actual training is conducted can vary considerably depending on where the training occurs. The general terms used to describe the main forms of training are:
Off the job -
- In a classroom
- Away from the actual workplace
- In a special place set aside for training or demonstration
On the job -
- In the workplace
Self Paced
- Activity Workbooks
Distance Education
- Training via interactive technology
- Text Based Material
Most organisations have an approach to training that is specific to their workplace. Your first step is to check what policies or procedures you should be aware of before you organise your training venue.
Training may be conducted at:
- The actual 'workstation' on the sales floor
- A special training room
- Off site at a Retail Skills Centre
Sometimes a combination is used depending on the topic and activities involved.
What is method and media?
Method is the way in which training will be delivered. That is identifying the best method of delivery to introduce the instruction. Will it be:
- On-the-Job?
- Off-the-Job?
- A flexible program by distance education?
- Text based?
or
- A combination of all those things?
Media
Media deals with the technical aspects of delivering the message.
Will the information you wish to give to the learner be best presented by:
- Video?
- Computer aided instruction?
- Audio tape?
or
- Other computer based programs?
Regardless of the media used, it is important to understand the communication process. Communicating involves a two way interaction between the sender and receiver. (see 'Effective Communication' for further details on this subject).
Reinforcing & Applying New Skills/Knowledge
Each session the trainer conducts includes activities for the learner to reinforce or apply what is being learned. There are many methods of training:
- Discussion
- Question and answer
- Presentation
- Examples/demonstrations
- Handouts
There are many types of learner activities:
- Skills practice
- Games
- Written activities
No matter what the message, media or method, consideration must be given to developing an appropriate instructional strategy. The instructional strategy should provide the stimulus necessary to motivate the learners and gain the responses that the trainer seeks.
Resources
With the training session organised it is now time to plan for the physical and human resources. This extends to:
- Equipment required for the training needs
- Additional people to deliver course content e.g. guest speakers
- Room location and size
- Assistance from supervisors required for on-the-job training
- Occupational Health and Safety issues are adhered to whether it be in a real or simulated environment
Not carefully considering your physical and human resources could mean the difference between training being a success or failure.
You need to negotiate with department managers and trainees to identify the most appropriate time for training to take place.
Only when this is done can you move on to formally notifying participants and other relevant personnel of the forthcoming training session/s.
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