5 Key Steps for Better Training and Development Programmes

A considerable number of institutes claim to provide professional training and development programmes that help businesses and individuals receive the necessary training and gain necessary knowledge. However, most people who take these courses feel short-changed as the reality seldom meets their expectations. Companies that use these services often realise quite late that their employees did not gain much in the way of skills or expertise that will help the business in its growth.

There are many reasons for this such as lack of proper training programme syllabus or schedules, lack of knowledge on the part of the teachers, skills taught being old or outdated, and so on. Though each reason can be elaborated in detail and valuable lessons learnt, this piece is not about these causes but rather on trying to find some key steps that help distinguish the better training and development programmes from the ones to avoid.

5 Key Steps for Better Training and Development Programmes

Course syllabus: The subject matter that will be taught is the first thing that people need to check when they look up these courses. People need to realise that professional courses have to teach the most advanced and relevant information to the students. The material must be up to date with the latest advances and systems, and should provide enough practical experience for the person to become proficient in operating them.

Course structure: A properly designed professional course will take the students through a systematic process that starts with the basics and moves on to more complicated matters that they have to master. The way a course is structured helps to distinguish the better training centres from the others.

Practical training: Hands-on training is the key to ensuring the students make the most of their training. Knowing how to operate a winch, for example, is one thing. Operating it under practical working conditions is a different matter altogether. A student should become thoroughly aware of how to operate a machine or a system. Since professional courses train people in critical industries such as oil and gas, aviation, infrastructure, logistics, etc., it becomes essential that the practical training is extensive and in-depth.

Preparation for exams: Most professions have associations and bodies that provide the necessary certifications before a person can start working in an industry. These institutes have strict criteria before an individual can hope to work in these industries. They also have more specialised training for professionals who are already employed in the industry but want to move to a senior position. All such professionals – from new ones looking to enter the industry to seasoned veterans looking for growth – need to pass certain examinations before they can take on their preferred roles. The better training and development programmes ensure their students are well versed in the test subjects and can easily ace the exams.

Quality of trainers: This is perhaps the most important aspect of these courses. Having good trainers is important as they help a student overcome any challenges in their learning, help resolve queries, provide the necessary knowledge and support for both theoretical and practical training, and adequately prepare for any certification or other tests. Most of the better institutes have certified trainers with extensive industry experience and expertise and help turn even a novice into an expert within a few days of training.

This article is written by Sherif Saad, who is the Projects Manager at Arab Consulting And Development Corporation – ACAD Corp. They are the leading provider of training programs and consulting services for HR, project management, sales, marketing.