Training Needs Analysis

All training is future oriented. It is aimed at developing skills for subsequent use, which will have a beneficial impact on whatever type of organisation the skill is required for.

The first stage in a good Training Needs Analysis is to understand the aims and objectives of the organisation which supply the context for skills development.

We typically use "strategy workshops", sometimes supported by individual questionnaires.

The next stage is to conduct quantitative studies, to assess the extent of need. How many people are involved ? Who are they ? What relevant educational, training and experiential background do they have ? etc.

We can now move to needs analysis. This is likely to involve research incorporating a triangulation of methods. Typical this means using interviewing, questionnaires and group discussions. The focus is on articulating the three classic skills areas:

Organisation skills, functional/technical skills and personal behavioural skills.

Once this stage is completed, analysed and written up, the results become the focus for standard setting and action planning within the organisation.