A training plan is a document that includes the activities planned for the creation and delivery of a training course. Whether the training is aimed at individual users or groups of people, or whether it is delivered in the classroom or online, a properly developed training plan allows you to develop complete and effective courses. Here are some useful strategies.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Set Your Learning Goals
Step 1. Evaluate the purpose of your company
The purpose of the training could be to prepare employees for emergency situations, to increase company sales or to protect customer privacy.
Step 2. Identify trainee benefits
Highlight the skills, information and certifications that participants will achieve at the end of the course. These could include the mastery of specific application software, detailed knowledge of company policies and procedures or greater skills in customer support.
Method 2 of 7: Identify the Learners
Step 1. Indicate which individuals and groups will take part in the training
Your course could be aimed at the entire organization, only for a single department or for newly hired employees.
Step 2. Group the students by type
For example, some members of the organization may need a simple overview, while others involved in the daily performance of duties may require more in-depth training.
Method 3 of 7: Establish a Budget
Step 1. Identify the resources you need
Videos, software, sites, books and computers are just a few examples.
Step 2. Calculate the costs of the training
Review the list of resources needed to establish the necessary amount. The other expenses to be considered include the rent of the spaces in which to hold the course, the trainer's compensation and the cost of the employee in terms of time.
Method 4 of 7: Select Trainers
Step 1. Choose qualified trainers
They could be internal to the organization or external experts. Review their qualifications and experience before hiring them.
Step 2. Gain the required knowledge
If you deliver the training yourself, find out about the necessary skills.
Method 5 of 7: Develop the Training Content
Step 1. Make a draft of the training topics
When delivering training on productivity software, for example, you might include creating and saving files or formatting text.
Break the topics into lessons. For example, text formatting could be broken down into three separate lessons: character, paragraph, and table formatting
Step 2. Plan your lessons
Include in your learning plan a list of lessons complete with objectives, specific activities and assessment models, which could include initial and final tests, class discussions and group work.
Step 3. Find the best way to deliver the training
You could conduct the training online, via video conference, in person or with the help of audio files. Choose the mode based on the goal. For example, lessons on the use of software could be given in person or via video, while information on certain security measures could be adequately communicated via the web.
- Involve participants in training activities. Crosswords, problem-solving exercises, questionnaires are all systems for attracting the attention of the students to the tasks to be performed.
- Take into account a variety of learning styles. Watching demonstration videos, listening to audio files and engaging in practical exercises are all useful activities.
Step 4. Develop a training feedback form
Ask the trainees to evaluate the training in various aspects, including teaching, acquired skills and other relevant factors.
Method 6 of 7: Sketch the Training Structure
Step 1. Conduct individual courses for detail-oriented assignments
Some tasks are better assimilated through direct observation conducted over a certain period of time. In this case, direct training in the field may be the most effective.
Step 2. Provides training to small groups of people for tasks that require interaction
The teaching of customer assistance techniques, for example, can be carried out through problem solving activities or role-playing games, involving small groups of students.
Step 3. For general lessons, turn to larger groups
If necessary, divide them into smaller groups.
Step 4. Establish the schedule of lessons
To acquire mastery of certain skills, students should meet one hour a day for several weeks. If they need to be trained by a certain date, include that need in your training plan.
Method 7 of 7: Make a Preliminary Training Section
Step 1. Include a list of resources in your learning plan
Trainers may need presentation tools, a computer, or chalk. Learners may need books, manuals, video players or other materials.
Review the list of resources before training. Consider each step of the training to be sure that all equipment, materials and tools are accessible and functional
Step 2. Set a deadline for all preparations
For example, you could hire a trainer one month before the course, book a location two weeks in advance and communicate to all students the location where the course will be held and other details several weeks before the course starts.
