Using Training Effectively

4. The Training Plan

A training plan is essential to define the structure and outcomes you want from training.

4.1 Draw up a training brief, setting out your practical training objectives.

• For example, you might list ten tasks and ten awkward situations a new credit controller should be able to handle. Without this approach, there is a danger of the employee learning a lot of theory, but with no practical understanding of how to apply the theory.
• Draw up the training brief with whoever will deliver the training. The trainer can tell you what is achievable.

4.2 For each course, have a written training programme.

This identifies the stages of the training, the location, the training content and methods used and trainer.

• Sign and date items as they are covered and as the employee progresses through training. A copy of this record can then be added to the employee's personnel file.
• Documentation is essential for most formal qualifications, such as NVQs and to satisfy health and safety requirements.
• Note the cost of each training element, so you can evaluate which stages are worth while.