On Grooming the Trainer
SMT
Training and development of the employees form the core part of the organizations today. Each and every organization would like to develop their workforce skills and competencies to achieve high end results in the form of training programs conducted by the trainer. The role of trainers is to fill the competency gap or build up the skills to make the trainees more efficient in their job. But the question is how many of the trainers regularly train themselves to become most efficient and engaging trainers. It is essential for the trainers to have expertise in both the subject and in conducting the session. It is widely recognized now that it not enough that trainers have subject knowledge, but must have a variety of competencies to be a successful trainer. These competencies can be grouped under two major sets: Personal and Technical.
Personal Competencies:
This set consists of skills like Communication, Presentation, Facilitation, Motivation, Interpersonal and Coaching. Ability to manage client relationships in negotiating a training program, managing group dynamics, sensitivity to handle equality and diversity issues in the class and overall emotional intelligence are competencies which the trainer needs to possess to manage the training function.
Technical Competencies:
This set of competencies relate to the knowledge and skills related to understanding and application of adult learning principles, identification of training needs, design and development of a training program, use of appropriate training methodology and ability to choose the right kind of training evaluation for a given program.
Often times individuals who have some experience in their professional area and have some ability to communicate become trainers in the strong belief that these two aspects are more than enough to succeed in a training profession. It is important to understand that being a trainer is not easy. As a trainer one must be able to do multiple things to facilitate the transfer of knowledge to the trainees, very often in a short duration of time. It is here that several competencies are required to keep the trainees engaged and involved. This art of training has to be learnt to an extent and efforts have to be put in to acquire these competencies. It is here that the Train the Trainer workshops have assumed so much popularity.
A trainer can get hugely benefited by these workshops. The inputs of these workshops enable the trainer to:
 Understand the fundamentals of Training Need Analysis, how to set SMART objectives for the program, design the program, choose appropriate methods for handling sessions and evaluate the program as a whole and use the feedback to help in offering similar or other required programs.
 Understand that adult learning is different from learning in academic settings and certain adult learning principles have to be followed to make the learning process a meaningful endeavor as these principles definitely impact the choice of methods to impart training.
 Understand the use of an array of training methods like the lecture method, case study method, role-plays, games and simulations and video/audio and computer aided methods and get an exposure to how to use them in the classroom.
 Dealing with other equally important training challenges of managing the classroom dynamics, keeping the class energized and focused on learning, dealing with a variety of participants aggressive, submissive, indifferent or tough.
 Understand the use of latest technology in the training and development field  like the use of Learning Management Systems, Online learning, E-learning and Blended Learning are the new trends in the fields.
 Practice some of the common methods like Lecture, Case Study, and Role-plays etc and develop necessary skills for making effective presentations and obtain peer feedback on the same.
 Understand the use of different
methods of getting feedback on the training program and use the results to
improve future programs
The Train the Trainer workshops provide a forum for prospective trainers and even those who are engaged in training to acquire that body of knowledge and skill  set to perform effectively as trainers. There are number of institutes which offer these workshops. These are offered online and also through classroom training and are of short duration, generally not more the two to three weeks. All those who want to make a mark in the training and development space would significantly benefit from attending these workshops as they are so designed to give the trainer a comprehensive view of training challenges and expose them to various modules and develop the much needed confidence in them to be trainers. Whether you are trainer by choice or you are expected to train others as part of your job responsibility, you are new trainer or a trainer with some of experience, it indeed would be a good investment to attend a Train the Trainer Workshop enabling to get everything in a capsule form in the shortest possible duration. So take advantage the next time you see a Train the Trainer Workshop for your own growth and development!
