A training plan is an essential tool required when undertaking employee training. A template makes it easy to create a well-structured plan. To formulate an effective training plan that will meet the training needs of employees, you should first assess the needs of the business organization and then the training needs of the employee. With this, you can develop learning objectives and prepare the training materials. A plan helps the trainer to focus on the important aspects such as who will facilitate the training, the objectives, topics to be covered, methods used to teach, materials needed, time and venue.
Contents of a training plan
- Name of the Training: The name depends on the training being provided. For instance, it can be customer care training, induction training, computer training or even career training. The type of training is determined after assessing the goals and needs of the organization and realizing there is a skill lacking.
- Objectives: The objectives of the training are the desired outcomes. What should the employees have attained by the end of the training? These are based on the training needs discovered during the assessment stage. The training should bridge the gap between how employees are currently performing and the desired performance.
- Training materials needed: The materials needed should depend on the content that needs to be covered for the objectives to be achieved. These could be books, pens, papers and equipment.
- Facilitators: These are the trainers, who may be the most experienced employees or hired facilitators.
- Training Methods: The training methods chosen should depend on the content and the audience. They include coaching, lecture, case studies and discussion.
- Date/Time: When and what time the training takes place. The date and time of the training should be decided and communicated earlier so that the employees can prepare and set the time aside from their busy schedules. In most cases, a training plan should be ready a few months in advance, may it be for a new employee or the existing ones.
- Participants: This section covers the employees targeted for the training. It may be a single employee or a whole department. Knowing the participants helps in determining the right training method suitable for them. Find out if they had prior training on the topic, their age, level of education, their attitude towards the training. Remember that some learners may be resistant towards the training especially if it entails new ways.
- Logistics requirements: The items required to conduct the training successfully, which include chairs, tables and room.