The future of work is knocking on the door, driven by automation, data analytics, and a whirlwind of new technologies. To stay ahead, organizations must equip their workforce with the cutting-edge skills needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape. But building an in-house training program from scratch can be daunting. Enter learning providers โ potential partners offering high-quality, customized skills development at scale. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one?
Finding the perfect skills development partner is like finding the perfect team member โ it’s all about compatibility. Here are 8key questions to ask yourself as you research and vet potential partners:
๐. ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ, ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐?
Every team is different. One department might need basic digital literacy training, while another needs advanced reskilling. Your chosen provider should offer comprehensive programs that cater to all levels, from beginner to expert. Look for:
- Entry-level content: Does the provider offer basic literacy and foundational skills training?
- Learning pathways: Are there clear paths for each role and skill level?
- Content breadth: Do they offer a diverse range of courses, covering data analytics, leadership, management, programming, and more?
- Beyond data literacy: Does the catalogue extend to communication, teamwork, and finance courses as well?
๐. ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ ๐จ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ฅ, ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ?
Before jumping in, evaluate how the course content is created. Who builds it? Are they qualified institutions, industry leaders, or individual experts? Remember, quality matters. Look for:
- Proven creators: Are courses built by recognized professional bodies, universities, leading companies, or renowned subject matter experts in your field?
- Effective teaching methods: Do courses employ clear learning objectives, assessments, and outcome measurements?
๐. ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ โ ๐๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง?
Sure, most providers offer basic reporting on training delivery and course completions. But that doesn’t tell you if your employees are actually acquiring the skills they need. Seek out providers who offer:
- Metrics aligned with your goals: Do the metrics track progress towards your specific learning objectives?
- Macro and micro-level insights: Can you see both the big picture and individual skill development across various domains?
- ROI reporting: Can you measure the return on investment of your training programs, beyond just training costs?
- Trend analysis: Can you track skill development over time and identify areas for improvement?
๐. ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ช๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ?
One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in skills development. Your chosen partner should be able to customize learning paths to fit your specific team’s needs and skill transformation goals. Ask:
- Tailoring resources: Does the provider have experts who can build custom learning pathways and content curation?
๐. ๐๐จ ๐๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐๐๐๐จ๐ ๐ง๐ข๐ณ๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ?
Not all learning providers offer advanced programs or certifications. These credentials can be powerful motivators for your team, offering transferable value and recognition. Consider:
- Institutes or company certifications: Are certifications offered by the content creators themselves?
- Alignment to job roles: Do the certifications and training align with your specific skill needs and in-demand job roles?
๐. ๐๐จ ๐๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ-๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง?
For maximum impact, your learning program should offer customized pathways and hands-on experiences. Look for platforms that:
- Use AI-powered recommendations: Does the training portal suggest new content based on individual skill sets and progress?
- Offer project-based learning: Can learners apply their new skills in real-world scenarios through projects?
- Provide dynamic guidance: Does the provider offer personalized feedback and guidance throughout the learning journey?
๐. ๐๐จ ๐๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ?
While many learning providers may offers flexibility, it’s crucial to have reliable support. Choose a provider with comprehensive resources:
- Dedicated Customer Success Manager: Do you get a dedicated point person for direct support?
- Accessible technical support: Is prompt technical support available?
- Career support services: Are there additional support resources for specialized certificate programs?
๐. ๐๐จ ๐๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ?
Launching a new program requires careful planning. Look for a partner who can help you develop and implement your learning program, including:
- Pre-sales demos: Can you see a demo of the training, content, and integration process?
- Portal configuration: Does the provider set up your learning portal and handle technical integrations?
- Administrator training: Will the provider train your administrators and provide test instructions before launch?
By asking the right questions and carefully considering these eight key factors, you can find the perfect skills development partner to equip your workforce for the future. Remember, the ideal partner will offer a scalable, rigorous, and engaging learning experience, tailored to your specific needs and supported by comprehensive resources. Invest in your team’s skills today, and watch them unlock their full potential tomorrow.
Are you looking for a trusted training partner? I have got you covered – email me to get on a call and discuss your unique needs and our top-notch training solutions.
