Train the 'Trainer' Workshop
An intensive 3 day workshop for people with substantial training responsibilities or projects to deliver

About the workshop

Many people find themselves helping others learn at work. Many are not professional trainers; they are colleagues, supervisors, managers or local experts. Sometimes informal and flexible, at other times structured and formal; whatever the circumstances, there's an art to helping others learn effectively and that is the focus of this workshop.

It aims to develop or refresh the essential knowledge, skills and techniques needed to design, deliver and evaluate short formal or informal training sessions to individuals or small groups at work. It looks at how to maximise the effectiveness of many different kinds of training including workbased coaching, formal courses, briefings, workshops and presentations.

It is ideal for people involved in substantial training projects, taking on significant training responsibilities in their role or for those with some experience of delivering training at work but no formal training in training skills. Participants consistently report increased confidence and effectiveness in the training aspect of their role.

Group size

Usually 6-8 participants with a single tutor

Methods

The workshop is informal, practical and participative in nature. Through exercises, demonstrations and guided discussion participants explore how to ensure the training they deliver is engaging and effective for learners. There are opportunities to practice and refine different methods of needs analysis, delivery and evaluation. We can provide materials and resources for some practice work but also encourage participants to practice using their own content and materials. Through the workshop participants will review their training skills, build on strengths and work on weaknesses in a friendly and supportive environment.

Programme aims

The workshop aims to help participants:

» Develop their understanding of:
      how adults learn at work;
      how effective workplace training and coaching can contribute to this
» Develop their skill, confidence and effectiveness in:
      clarifying training needs
      preparing and structuring training and coaching sessions
      delivering training and coaching
      evaluating the results of their work
» Practice structuring and delivering training sessions and get feedback on effectiveness
» Develop their 'tool kit' of ideas, skills and approaches to training and increase their options and effectiveness     when involved in training projects
» Gain confidence in their ability to pass on their skills and knowledge to others

Workshops can also be designed to help participants progress personal training projects:
» Define or refine specifications and outline designs for personal training project
» Develop or review session plans and training materials
» Road test aspects of delivery and get feedback on design and delivery
» Develop action plans for personal training projects

Pre-course work

To make best use of time available during the workshop, participants may be asked to complete the Learning Styles Questionnaire in advance of the workshop, read a short article about making training and learning effective, complete a self assessment of their training skills and learning needs and/or prepare materials for a short training session.

Practical project work

During the second and third days of the workshop participants practice their training delivery skills with other participants. We aim to create a supportive environment where people can practice and get feedback and coaching to improve their effectiveness, regardless of their expertise or experience.

The first practice session, to be delivered day 2, is typically of 10 minutes duration, delivered in a small group setting to 3 or 4 others. The second practice session, for delivery day 3, is typically of 15 minutes duration, working with a larger group of 6 to 8.

We recommend people use these sessions to road test, refine or practice delivering a small section of a personal training project, perhaps something they will have to deliver in the near future. We recommend they choose something to practice that will be of high value in terms of their personal learning, something that will stretch them. Delivery practice can be in any style, using any training method eg discussions, quizzes, exercises, demonstrations, case study, role play. Participants are expected to prepare and bring with them any materials they need for these sessions.

Duration

3 days, typically 09.30 - 17.30. Note there may be some evening work needed to prepare delivery of practical sessions for days 2 and 3.

Indicative programme

The workshop runs in a coaching style and the programme may change to meet the needs and interests of participants on the day.

Please note

This is a sample programme for a three day train the trainer skills workshop, typical of work we have successfully delivered. All our programmes are tailored to meet the needs and interests of client organisations and can incorporate elements from this or any other programme in our portfolio. Please call for further details.