How To Select The Best Training Workshop For 
Your Organization

Workshops and other training can represent a big chunk of your time and effort. Make the best use of your resources by using the following checklist.

Stop! Before You Bring Training Programs In-House,
Here’s What to Look For:
The 11 Elements of Highly Effective Workshops

If a specific workshop or training program does not meet the following criteria or answer the following questions to your satisfaction, think again before bringing it into your organization. Use this checklist as a guide.

1. Can the workshop be customized so that it is industry specific? Workshops should speak specifically to employee needs in that industry, i.e. banking, retail, high-tech, healthcare, call center operations, etc.

2. Will a master copy of a workbook for the course be made available for duplication for all participants? Is the workbook included in the fees quoted? Is the workbook interactive.

3. Is the workshop or training course "real-world?" In other words, does the program content address scenarios that take place on the job and offer solutions?

4. Will there be specific tools incorporated into the workshop to facilitate "ongoing" learning, such as valuable resources, journals, simulations, pre- and post-workshop assignments, etc.?

5. How will the learning be applied on the job? Be sure to get a specific answer. Most training is quickly forgotten after the class ends. The goal is to keep the learning continuous. How will the learning be reinforced and enhanced?

6. Is the program designed for "intentional learning" to take place? Learning is the responsibility of the student, not the facilitator. Are accountabilities built into the program?

7. Are skill sets, outcomes and desired competencies established upfront? This is critical and should be thoroughly discussed prior to bringing a program in-house.

8. Is the facilitator of the workshop experienced? What is his or her background and credentials? Are references and testimonials available?

9. Is there a train-the-trainer or certification program available for the workshop? This is important to know especially if your organization plans to do high-volume training.

10. Does the company or trainer you are working with have the design and development talent to customize additional advanced programs that will complement existing courses your organization offers?

11. How will the effectiveness of training be measured? How will you know the training worked? Get specific answers on this.