Eight Steps to Building a Successful Training Program

Whether you're designing a new training program or fine-tuning one that’s already established, there’s always room to make meaningful improvements.

This eight-step model provides a structured approach to help you build a program from scratch or enhance the one you already have in place.

A Step-by-Step Framework for Effective Training

1. Identify training needs

Identify the specific challenges, concerns, or misconceptions your employees are facing. Then assess whether training is the most effective solution.

Problems that are best addressed through training include a lack of knowledge on a subject or practice, and improper or unsafe performance of a skill or task.

2. Get management and supervisory support

Training programs can take employees away from their regular duties, potentially impacting productivity. Justify the training program with management by:

• Outlining the reasons for conducting the training,
• Identifying the individuals who need the training,
• Providing a time frame and cost estimate for the training program,
• Explaining the program’s objectives and expected benefits, and
• Describing how you will document the effectiveness of the training.

3. Set goals

Instructional goals help you define what you want to accomplish and measure the effectiveness of your training.

4. Prepare

Planning ahead allows you to focus on the session. It also sets an example as to the preparation and organization that is expected of your employees.

5. Deliver the training

Start by explaining the goals and objectives of the training and providing an overview of the topic.

Explain the material in sufficient detail, making sure the presentation relates to your employees’ goals, interests, and experience.

At the conclusion of the session, make sure you summarize the session’s objectives and key points.

6. Document

Documentation provides evidence that you provided training on a topic to specific individuals within your organization. It shows that you are striving for a safe, knowledgeable, and compliant workforce.

7. Evaluate effectiveness

Evaluation helps you determine if your training program is meeting its goals and objectives. Ways to evaluate training include:

• Reviewing post-training quizzes
• Observing employees as they work
• Reviewing incident or performance reports
• Asking employees follow-up questions
• Asking supervisors if training-based performance has improved

8. Make improvements to the program

There’s always room for making your training program even better. Use your evaluations to make changes and improvements when necessary.

Key to remember: Creating a training program isn’t a one-and-done task. A successful program thrives on continuous feedback and evolution.