Choosing a trainer
Your company’s goals help determine what institution you’ll use to provide employee training. Look at local colleges and universities first, as these organizations have flexibility in training formats and delivery.
“Colleges want to forge relationships with businesses and have the flexibility to provide what companies need,” Culbreth says. “They have close ties to the community and are willing to work with you to provide a service.”
Universities are often willing to consult with businesses to determine what the immediate training needs are. Community colleges, business schools and specific work force training centers can also provide tailored programs as opposed to off-the-shelf training that serves as a one-size-fits-all education.
“There are many benefits to working with a local university,” Ulrich says. “It’s not uncommon for them to design a class that will teach to a business’ specific needs. Businesses can also get bonuses that don’t cost anything like access to the university’s students seeking internships.”
Don’t think of continued education as a perk to employees, but think of it as a way to keep the business growing.
A common error employers make is accepting a program where the employee misses a significant amount of work to go to school. Options exist that allow you to dictate, within reason, how, when and where your employees are educated.
“If you’re not getting the answers you want from one educator, go to another source,” Murphy says. “There are hybrid teaching opportunities — some online and some on-site, all online, all in the classroom setting. Decide what you need and you can find someone willing to accommodate.”
After you select a program and a university, your strategy must carry over into measuring tactics. Make sure you have a way to calculate the benefits of training and the reason you have selected the specific program.
“The methodology of training is often not thought through, but it’s an essential step,” Murphy says. “You’d be amazed that companies don’t test after the training has been received. You need to test before training, after and six months later to make sure it was retained and is being used.”
