Home Tips Training and Development Carrying out a Training Needs Analysis
Starring: Rebecca Charnley. Filmed by: Mark Smith

Carrying out a Training Needs Analysis

  • Be aware that training needs may arise in many different situations including:
    • When a significant change takes place
    • When new policies and procedures are introduced
    • When new staff are employed
    • When staff change jobs
    • When business objectives are set
    • When appraisals are being discussed
    • When there are constant errors or mistakes
  • Clarify exactly what the training need is. Where possible speak to the delegate, the line manager or Human Resources department to gain a broader understanding of what the training needs are.
  • Set SMART training objectives:
    • S - Specific - define why the training is required and what results are expected.
    • M - Measurable - identify how training will improve the current situation and identify an area where progress can be monitored.
    • A - Agreed - training should be agreed by both the employer and the employee.
    • R - Realistic - is the training cost effective, relevant to the employees position and achievable?
    • T - Timebound - set a time for the training to commence and be completed
  • Ensure you take time to properly identify the actual training need so that you don't end up delivering training that the misses the mark or is not needed
  • Where possible, talk to the delegates before you commence any training session. By doing this you can familiarise yourself with the trainees and they with you. It is also an opportunity to check that the training you are planning to deliver is exactly what they are looking for.
  • Do not promise results from training that cannot be readily delivered as this will inevitably demotivate an employee