Challenges to Training Managers

Challenges to Training Managers

Training managers are subject to several challenges which need to be met often within the parameters of reduced training budgets.

The technical challenge is to keep up-to-date with changes in legislation, company policy, new methods of training delivery and new subject matter (especially in Information Technology)

The strategic challenge is to monitor and respond to expected changes in skill requirements, and to deliver training which provides demonstrable, measurable bottom line results, both short and the long term.

The professional challenge is to keep up-to-date with changing practice, to manage ongoing continuing professional development, and to ensure that the organization’s trainers and line managers are informed and practiced in applying the best in training ideas and methods.

Gordon Lippitt has identified four roles for training managers in modern organizations:

Learning specialist and instructor

Administrator of training and development staff and programmes

Information coordinator

Internal consultant to the management of the organization.

Traditionally, the activities of training managers have focused primarily on the first two of these roles.

The training manager as information coordinator:

Managing and monitoring contractor relationships

Enabling and evaluating line manager effectiveness in developing their staff

Coordinating an organization-wide skills development effort.

The training manager as internal consultant:

Identifying skill development needs for the future

Advising on staff development methods and best practice

Evaluating and improving the bottom line effectiveness of the organization’s training and development effort

Key Points

Training consultancy provides industry professional to work with an organization in achieving its training and development objectives.

A training and development officer/manager manages the learning and professional development of an organization’s workforce.

The training manager should establish training and entry-level requirements for key training positions and implement programs to select and develop training personnel.