Taking charge of employee training for your entire organization is a big responsibility. It may seem a bit daunting at first, but it is not an impossible task. With a little preparation and planning – and a healthy dose of dedication and patience – you can become a successful training administrator.
10 Keys to Success as a Training Administrator
Your first 90 days as a training administrator will set the stage for your future success. Follow these 10 key principles to establish yourself as the leader of your company’s training program.
1. Know Your Organization
An important step for any new employee is to get to know who hired you. Before you even interview, it’s a good idea to research the company so you’re familiar with their corporate culture, values, and expectations. This will give you a head start when it comes to developing a training program, as you’ll already know what values the company prioritizes.
2. Understand the Training Industry
Do your research and make sure you know what is currently trending in the training industry and what’s coming on the horizon. Make sure you’re aware of basic learning principles and the most up-to-date resources and tools for learning, so you’re providing employees with relevant training programs. Keep your finger on the pulse of the training industry by reading studies on learning methods and inclusivity.
3. Evaluate Training Needs
While this could be time consuming, it is an important step in developing a good training program. Just because your organization has always done training one way, does not mean it is the best way for you or your employees. Evaluate the needs of the business and the employees and develop a program that fulfills both.
4. Leverage Your Learning Management System
The most powerful tool in any training administrator’s toolbox is their learning management system (LMS). Your LMS streamlines important training tasks such as assigning, tracking, and delivering training. Taking advantage of the features of your LMS not only makes your job easier, it also provides a solid foundation for an effective blended learning experience.
5. Cultivate Partnerships Your Vendors
Your learning management partners are the backbone of your program. Build relationships with their account management and support teams. Don’t be afraid to reach out for assistance or advice. Get to know the people who are helping you be successful, so they can support you if and when the need arises.
6. Maintain Strong Communication
Communication is key in nearly every job role in every organization. You should maintain open lines of communication with your supervisor as well as the employees you’re training. Also be sure to communicate clearly. Strong communication skills are essential to your success as a training administrator.
7. Employ Creative Thinking
Think outside the box, and be flexible. No two organizations are alike, no two positions within an organization are alike, and no two employees are exactly alike. Use creative thinking to develop a training program with custom learning paths that meet the varying needs of employees, increase engagement, and improve knowledge retention.
8. Recognize and Praise Learners
Employees like to be recognized when they’ve done a job well – the same goes for when they’ve been successful in their training programs. Make sure to offer recognition for milestone achievements tied to important training objectives. Even something as small as an email telling them they’ve done a good job could brighten someone’s day and encourage them to continue.
9. Constantly Review and Revise
Your job isn’t done once you’ve finished building your training program. You should be constantly reviewing the program and evaluating its success. If something doesn’t seem to be working, make the necessary revisions to improve. Sometimes the needs of the company may change or the needs of the learners. Be constantly aware of ways you can make improvements to provide employees with a better learning experience.
10. Never Stop Learning
An important trait for any successful training administrator is endless curiosity and a ceaseless desire to learn. You should always be willing to do more research, learn more ways to help learners, and gain more skills.
Choose the Right LMS to Deliver Your Employee Training
Achieving success as a training administrator is easy with the right tools at your disposal. trainingGrid® is an LMS developed with you and your employees in mind. Its intuitive design makes learning management simple and allows employees to begin training with just a click. This flexible system comes with a variety of robust features customizable to fit your needs in addition to built-in reporting and certification tools that track your compliance documentation.
Request a guided demonstration of trainingGrid® today!
