How do I select a training company?
Step 1: Determine your company’s needs.
Select the best training company for the job — after all,
you wouldn’t hire a plumber to do an electrical job, so why
hire a company that specializes in Microsoft Office training
when you need to learn about publishing?
Step 2: Check out both the company’s and the instructor’s
Certifications.
Don’t assume that just because the training company you are
talking to is certified that the instructor is certified, as
well. Verify BOTH the company AND the instructor.
Most software companies, such as Adobe and Quark, list their authorized training institutions on their website.
In addition, companies usually issue an authorization certificate to the particular instructor.
Unfortunately, some companies use unauthorized trainers for classes when their authorized trainer is not available. Be sure to double-check both certifications!
Step 3: Check the Instructor’s Professional Background.
Certifications are only a part of an instructor’s background check; you should check into his/her professional background, too.
After all, an instructor who is only “book learned” and has not worked long-term in the appropriate profession cannot teach you information that you really need to know.
An instructor who works for a corporate training
company may or may not be on top of relevant industry
issues.
Step 4: Communicate with the trainer.
Schedule permitting, talk to or email the trainer directly
and see if you receive a reasonable response. Ask a couple
of questions*; does the trainer answer them in an
understanding and non-condescending manner? Does the trainer
sound like he/she knows what he/she is talking about?
If someone else at the training company is coordinating the specific trainer’s schedule, is he/she helpful in answering your general questions? Is that person knowledgeable enough to let you know exactly what will be covered in the training or is he/she a hired salesperson with a quota or an independent broker on commission?
*It wouldn’t be fair to ask the trainer complex questions
that normally should be covered in the class, or questions
that can’t be answered within a reasonable time. If
possible, ask a software-related question that you already
know the answer to.
Step 5: Class Outlines.
Check the class outline against the software company’s
training books (most companies, such as Microsoft, Adobe and
Macromedia, have a line of training books). If they are
identical (and many are), then there is a good chance the
instructor simply will be reading out of a book — something
most people could do on their own. Look for unique and
customized training material, preferably developed by the
actual trainer.
Step 6: Follow-up Support.
Does the trainer provide learning materials for you as an
added bonus for your review at your own pace after you have
completed your session? Will the instructor provide you with
his/her direct email for any questions you might have during
the learning curve? Follow-up support may be needed, and/or
additional personnel at your company may require training in
the future, so would you go back to this trainer or to this
company?
Step 7: References.
While interesting to review, references cannot tell you the
whole story. After all, how many companies are going to give
you names of clients that did NOT like their services? Also,
in today’s busy world, many clients do not want their names
given out. So, when it comes to references and client lists,
go ahead and review them, while knowing that you usually
have to go by trust when it comes to making your final
decision.
Source: ideastraining.com
