The Train-the-Trainer model is an approach that offers a multitude of advantages beyond the straightforward enhancement of employees’ job capabilities. By Investing in training programs for your staff members who are tasked with training others, you can unlock a wide range of benefits. So what is a Train-the-Trainer program? And, more importantly, do you need to implement it in your organization?
The Basics of Train-the-Trainer
A Train-the-Trainer program is a widely recognized and highly effective approach used to improve the skills and capabilities of trainers. As the name suggests, it focuses on training individuals who will, in turn, become trainers themselves.
It also builds on the principle of “learning by teaching” and turns specific members of your staff into on-site experts on different subject matters.
The model recognizes that internal trainers are valuable assets to an
organization. When you empower your staff with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need in order to turn around and train others, they contribute to the overall growth and development of the organization.
Key Elements of Train-the-Trainer Programs
Typically, a Train-the-Trainer program is designed to equip trainers with various skills essential to teaching and training others.
For example, some common things covered include:
- Training delivery techniques.
- Facilitation skills.
- Effective communication.
- Assessment and evaluation methods.
- Difficult customer handling.
- How to give feedback.
- Feed forward/outcome-based coaching.
- How to coach to the protocols.
- Demo skills/Reinforce and practice the skills.
Train-the-Trainer programs emphasize teaching trainers not only how to train others on subject matter, process, or skill, but also helps them develop the ability to engage and motivate learners.55
Trainers typically are encouraged to employ interactive techniques such as group discussions, role plays, case studies, and simulations to enhance the learning experience and promote knowledge retention.
Mentorship and peer support also are important aspects of a Train-the-Trainer program. Trainers benefit from guidance and feedback from other experienced trainers or mentors. And peer support can enable trainers to share ideas and resources, as well as collaborate on different approaches to training.
Benefits of the Train-the-Trainer Model
With advanced employee training, you end up with a workforce that is more efficient, more productive, and achieves better results. Other benefits include:
Cost-Effectiveness
Training your own staff to train other employees is less costly than bringing in an outside expert.
Quick and Easy Follow-Up
Your trainers are your own on-site employees, follow-up training and any other updates are easy to accomplish.
Consistency of Training
When all of your in-house trainers have been trained to have the same skills and training competency, all of the employees they then train will have the same training experience.
Identification of Potential
You are able to identify employees with potential and start developing them for advancement while in their current role.
Culture of Employee Development
With a Train-the-Trainer program’s emphasis on ongoing learning and continuous improvement, you develop a company culture of employee development, which can improve employee retention and aid in attracting new candidates when you need to hire.
Is a Train-the-Trainer Program Right for You?
Train-the-Trainer programs are applicable across various industries and types of companies and organizations.
They are commonly used in corporate settings to develop internal trainers who can deliver consistent and high-quality training programs to employees. Programs are also is used by non-profit organizations, government agencies, and other community groups that seek to empower people through education and training.
It is a powerful model. We invite you to connect with us to discuss just how you can put a Train-the-Trainer program to work for you. Contact us by using this form to book a call or by calling 1-866-513-4825. If you prefer email, you can contact us at info@arcqs.com.