| If you have decided to invest in training then you want | | | | knowledge, enabling you to achieve your objectives |
| to make sure that you're getting the best possible | | | | with maximum return on investment. |
| service, so here is a guide on what to consider when | | | | Now, whether it is formal classroom training or the |
| choosing an IT training partner. | | | | development of company specific training |
| Firstly do you have a training budget to spend within a | | | | programmes delivered on your site, you want a IT |
| specified timeframe or are unsure of your training | | | | training partner who is prepared to provide training |
| plans for the year? If so you can transfer those funds | | | | solutions that are tailored to your organisation's |
| into a Learning Credits account (pre-paid pot); a | | | | business requirements. |
| cost-effective solution for training multiple individuals | | | | An experienced training company should be; |
| within a team or across the organisation, to use as and | | | | - A Microsoft Gold Partner in Learning Solutions |
| when you need them. As well as giving you access to | | | | - A VMware Authorised Training Centre |
| bulk buy discount rates, the service provides real cost | | | | - Have an established reputation for the delivery of the |
| savings in establishing a longer term training plan for | | | | highest quality and best value |
| your business, yet has the flexibility to change with | | | | - Knowledgeable and friendly trainers that are |
| your business needs in allowing for ad-hoc training | | | | recognised as providing consistently high quality learning |
| needs. | | | | for delegates |
| Secondly do you require a Training Needs Analysis? | | | | - Class sizes are kept small to give individual attention |
| Providing relevant training to meet the needs of your | | | | - Consultants that are on-hand to provide real advice, |
| organisation is the most effective process when | | | | assistance and support during and post course |
| training. A Training Needs Analysis programme | | | | - Courses should be officially accredited rather than |
| designed to achieve this. Employees need to have a | | | | "grey" courses |
| clear understanding of their capabilities and deficiencies | | | | With the above you should be assured of high quality |
| in order to progress. This programme will assess | | | | training by qualified professional trainers in an |
| individuals within your organisation and enable you to | | | | environment that is conducive to the learning |
| put together an effective training plan and ensure | | | | experience. |
| measurable results. Training Needs Analysis | | | | You may want the option to work in close partnership |
| programmes are fully customisable and can be used | | | | with a Training company who is also an IT Company |
| to assess application training needs, or to assist in an | | | | and has the experience to plan, design, implement, |
| induction training programme for example. It can also | | | | deploy and train on IT technologies and applications to |
| be customised and developed to focus on your | | | | provide IT enabled business solutions that meets the |
| business needs. Reports will be provided identifying the | | | | your goals and objectives. |
| skill gaps between current knowledge and required | | | | |