How Training Needs Analysis Paves the Way for Successful ...

How Training Needs AnalysisPaves the Way for Successful Deployment

Learn why a training needs analysis is key in deploying an effective training program and how it aids in optimizing your training ROI

Choosing to invest in training is a critical corporate decision that must be undertaken carefully. Before selecting a training provider, an organization must undergo a thorough training needs analysis. Think of it as a cornerstone—training needs analysis is the foundation of any training program. Without it, your training path will crumble, and the hard-earned money you spend on training activities will eventually go to waste. But what exactly is training needs analysis and what role does it play in the overall success (or failure) of a corporate training program?

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Training Needs Analysis: A Definition

It is the process of identifying what lacking skills are needed in order for an employee to do his job well.It also involves identifying the problem that hinders companies from achieving their business objectives, as sometimes, training may not necessarily be the answer. If an organization finds that training is indeed the answer to the underlying problems, then they can proceed with the training needs analysis. The process of identifying the training needs of an organization involves identifying the current level of skills, knowledge, and general aptitude employees are at, and the optimal levels that they should be at in order to achieve the company's goals.

Training needs analysis is definedas the process in which skill gaps

among employees within an organization are determined.


Why Needs Analysisis a Training Prerequisite

Training needs analysis has been an established integral part of training, but once skill gaps are defined, what comes next? Why must a proper training needs analysis be a prerequisite for formal training?


Training needs analysis ensures that the right training addresses a business need, targets the correct knowledge and skill gap, and the right people. Training needs analysis also helps decision makers select the best training for their employees. By knowing the problem, they can select the right solution. Many providers can approach the company and offer solutions with varied competencies, but through training needs analysis, the company will have a better ability to select the proper solution for their training needs. When a match is made, training becomes more meaningful and more effective. The organization will begin to see the effects of their investment through the improved skills and knowledge, and improved workflows that are affected by training. When training is a fit, goals are met and investments are put to good use.

The answer is simple:


Questions That are Answered by Training Needs AnalysisThe process of conducting a training needs analysis should raise the following questions, among other important queries:

How will training benefit the aptitude, productivity, and competitiveness of the workforce?

What specific skill sets are required for an employee or workforce to carry out their roles efficiency?

What are their current skill levels? What is the optimal skill level?

How many employees need the training?


What is the impact of training on the overall business?

What is the timeline for training implementation?

What is your training objective?

What results do you expect to measure and how?

Answering these questions will require management to collect data through a series of different methods,such as surveys, individual interviews, focus groups, and discussions and research on the current business climate.By gathering data, management will get a clearer picture on what skills are required for certain key playersto perform their roles well, and bridge any gaps that are currently in place.


5 Steps to a SuccessfulTraining Needs Analysis

A successful training needs analysis aids in carrying out a successful training program. In order for this to happen, here are the steps a company must undertake:


Establish your training goals and make sure they correspond to a business objective and identify what specific knowledge and skills will contribute to the realization of the training objective.

Evaluate the difference between current knowledge and skill gaps

with optimal or desired knowledge and skill levels.

Select the optimal training methodology by considering different options based on your training needs.

Conduct a cost benefit analysis to determine the corresponding cost that

each training method will incur and determine which method is best for the

training program.

Plan on the method of evaluation during and after the training to ensure that the selected training method is effective and that learners are efficiently improving and progressing throughout the training period. Make sureto adjust training methods accordingly based on learner feedback.


Training Needs Analysis as a BenefitThe process of analyzing the current corporate climateand determining the problem is an early benefit that is yielded through training needs analysis. The entire process lets businesses zero in on their weaknesses and work towards addressing it in a way that is realistic and measurable.

Secondly, it allows companies to align training with their business objectives, making it a relevant aspect of the business process. Training needs analysis also allows for benchmarking on the other end of the training process, as this is important in evaluating whether training yields meaningful results or not. Lastly, it the risk of failure, and helps ensure thatyour training investment does not go to waste.


(M.Ed.), Marisa Keramida. "Training Needs Analysis For eLearning: 2 Sets Of Questions To Ask The Client." ELearning Industry. ELearning Industry, 20 July 2017. Web. 23 May 2017.

Sally Peters, Training and Development Process Improvement "Training Needs Analysis: 8 Steps to Conducting a Training Needs Analysis" LinkedIn SlideShare. N.p., 01 Oct. 2014. Web. 23 May 2017.

TNA_Guide_2013.pdf. N.p.: Skillnets Training Network Programme, n.d. PDF.

TNA.pdf. N.p.: University of London, n.d. PDF.

Sokolowski, Eric. "How to Conduct a Training Needs Analysis in 3 Steps." Training on Today's Top Business Software. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2017.

Natalie Wilkins, A Basic Guide To Training Needs Analysis. LinkedIn. N.p., 25 June 2014. Web. 23 May 2017.

"Six Sizzling Benefits of Training Needs Analysis – Part 2." Custom Training and E-learning, Anywhere Anytime! N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2017.

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