7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Training Provider

Globalisation has made the world more competitive and as a result, corporate landscapes are transforming rapidly. Upskilling employees is now a major requirement to thrive in any profession, as the job market is constantly evolving. It has now become extremely important for both big and small organisations to invest in the skill development of their employees to enhance organisational productivity.

Corporate training enriches the path for the employees to learn, evolve and grow. According to a recent survey, 94% of employees would stay in the organisation if they feel their employers invested in their professional growth, which includes corporate training. The use of Virtual Led Methodologies in corporate training has gained popularity in recent years to meet the demands of modern-day businesses. 

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Training Provider

There has been a major shift in corporate culture due to technological advancements. In an ever-changing job market, corporate training helps employees become more efficient and helps them stay updated with the latest industrial standards. Corporate training also instils soft skills and leadership qualities in employees. 

Today, many training institutes are conducting corporate training programs to upskill the employees of various corporate companies. Other than bridging skill gaps, training providers now perform a variety of duties. The corporate training providers directly work with corporate HR teams to identify their training needs. 

However, you will have to consider the following factors while choosing a training provider. These include the,

• Ability to implement adaptive learning technology 

• Ability to meet your training needs 

• Course content & fee structure

• Presence of a dedicated coach

• The outcome of the training

• Application of the SMART Principle 

• Accreditation

This blog further gives you a detailed explanation of the 7 things to consider when choosing a training provider:  

• Ability to Implement Adaptive Learning Technology 

Before choosing a training provider, make sure the methodologies they use are innovative and engaging. They should provide you with the option to customise training solutions to your learning requirements. 

The training provider should have the capacity to adapt based on the nature of their clients and should be well-versed with the latest technology. They also should have access to multi-channels for providing training to their clients. 

• Ability to Meet the Training Needs of the Clients

It is crucial to check if your training provider can meet your training needs before finalising your training provider. A good training provider should be asking all the necessary questions from their side and should clarify your training needs. 

It is better to assess the training needs of the employees before approaching a training provider. If you find that the training provider does not align with the needs and goals of your organisation, you should turn it down immediately. You should also be careful not to get misled by the training provider. 

Also Read: Why Your Company Must Choose Corporate Training

• Course Content & Fee Structure

The course content of the training provider should be methodical, relevant and of high quality. The fee structure of the training provider should also be taken into consideration along with the size of the class, course duration and, facilities of the training environment. The participants should become capable of applying what they have learned at the end of the training. 

• Presence of a Dedicated Coach

It is always highly recommended to check the educational background, technical expertise and work experience of the trainers. Sometimes the trainers can be an expert in their field but may lack the skills to impart the knowledge to others.  So, you have to make sure the trainer possesses both technical & training expertise and is dedicated to providing effective coaching to the clients. 

• The Outcome of the Training

It is crucial to know beforehand the experience of other clients/ trainees that have undergone training under the said training provider. You have to make sure you will get the expected outcome from the training provider. 

The trainer should provide a detailed report on progression tracking, actionable/ constructive feedback, attendance and engagement level of the participants. The training should unlock the true potential of employees. 

• Application of the SMART Principle by the Training Provider 

The training provider should know to determine the skills the employees already possess and must have the expertise to apply the SMART Principle that will help participants achieve their learning objectives. SMART stands for,  

• S-Specific
• M-Measurable
• A- Attainable
• R- Relevant
• T- Timely

• Accreditation

Before approaching the training provider for the training, the employer should always look into what accreditation the training provider offers. There are mainly 3 types of accreditation for all training courses, such as 

• External Accreditation: It is an accreditation from an awarding organisation which is recognised by local authorities.  External Accreditation can truly support the career growth of employees and provide them with valuable qualifications. 

• Approval from a trade body: Approval or endorsement from a trade body is a credible stamp of quality to have if it is approved within the industry. It is a rigorous task for the organisation to get this accreditation as it involves the review of the organisation as a whole. 

• In-House Certification: It is the certification provided by the trainer himself and is often considered as least credible. The training provider that offers in-house certification but who makes use of qualified and experienced instructors that follows recognised guidelines and standards adds credibility to their certification and quality of training. 

Conclusion

One of the greatest challenges faced by organisations today is finding and retaining skilful employees. The training providers prepare existing & new employees in tackling complex challenges in the work environment and help in enhancing their problem-solving ability. The training classes help in motivating the employees and boost their morale.

Corporate training has become necessary these days to prepare employees for new job roles and responsibilities. Before finalising the training provider, conduct a deep inquiry about the training provider and check their website. Communicate with them openly and make sure their strategies are authentic and will give an efficient Return On Investment (ROI) to the employer from their training.