Top 5 Tips for choosing a training provider! Making sure you get the best out of your training provider
Any manager faced with selecting a training provider from the hundreds out there can be an extremely stressful and daunting task. How can you be sure you’ve made the right decision? When you have time and budget constraints but want to ensure you get the best value from your training provider, what factors should you consider? Tip 1: How big are you? Don’t assume that by dealing with a large, well established training provider you are going to get a better service. Working with smaller training providers can offer some distinct advantages: Quick response - with a smaller chain of command, requests and problems can be dealt with quickly Personalised touch - time and attention can be given to comprehend your needs, offering more personalised solutions to solving them and communication is easier with a single point of contact Flexible - smaller companies are geared to changing, quite quickly, with the times and decisions can be made on a client by client basis without the need to follow a more standardised approach Ensure that regardless of the size, they fully understand your requirements, have had the experience of delivering high quality training on the same or similar topic and are able to offer you well thought out, designed and delivered training.
‘You are your greatest asset. Put your time, effort and money into training, grooming, and encouraging your greatest asset.’
Tom Hopkins
Tip 2: Can I get some fries with that shake? So you’ve been offered a quote and it seems reasonable. Find out what will be provided as part of that quote. If not, this may affect the service provided: Is this inclusive of all course development? Does this include a bespoke or standard training course? How many trainers will be provided? Will they be providing manuals for end users? Are they tailored to the course or off the shelf? What kind of course evaluation will they be using? Will they offer follow up email support? Does this include deskside floorwalking support?
Tip 3: Ask to see samples of work It may be difficult to see examples of training, but it’s a good idea to ask for samples of support materials created for previous clients. This will show you the level of thought and detail that goes into producing them, and how tailored they really are. Even with an off the shelf solution, you will want your materials to be tailored.
‘Trust should be the basis for all our moral training.’
Sir Robert Baden-Powell
Tip 4:Direct from the horses mouth Speaking with the sales/account manager may not be enough to guarantee your requirements are understood. Depending on the circumstances and significance of your training needs, it can be worthwhile asking, where possible, to meet the trainer. Discuss your needs directly with them Ensure they know their subject matter Get an idea of their training plan Get them to relay their understanding of your requirements You don’t know what you need to know, so it is imperative that you meet with a trainer who can ask you questions to obtain the information they need to design and deliver the perfect course.
Choose your provider carefully
Tip 5: Decision making time So you’ve got your quotes, how to decide? Overall, look for a training provider, big or small, that you can trust to be flexible, help you understand your objectives more clearly and give you advice on what you really need, not just quote and deliver on what you’ve asked for. Training is more than a sale...
Training should be right the first time
www.optimumoutlook.co.uk | Helping you to be more...