Training Needs Analysis
If you are not certain what training may be appropriate for you, the following set of questions can be very helpful in clarifying training needs:
- What new knowledge/skills do you require following changes in your job that have occurred recently or are about to occur? For example, starting to check CVs, writing a careers module, working with post-docs.
- Is there anything in your performance that indicates a training need? For example, areas you avoid because you don't feel you know enough or have the right skills.
- Is there anything in the context of the service that is changing that results in you needing new skills/knowledge? For example, new IT systems, the implementation of quality standards, new legislation, partnerships with FE colleges.
- Are there any areas of continuing professional development (CPD) that would help build your overall skills/knowledge? For example, employer visits, exchanges with other services, becoming qualified.
- Are you personally looking to develop into a new role that will require new skills/knowledge? For example, becoming a careers adviser, moving into management.
- Which of the training needs determined are urgent, serious or will grow, ie become a bigger problem if unmet?
- How can the training need be best met? For example, observing experienced practitioners, individual coaching, case studies, text books or manuals, an in-service training event, external training event.