7 tips for choosing the right training partner

You always have a choice when it comes to who you partner with for training

Listen up, because I’m about to lay down some truth.

When it comes to education and professional training, you’ve got a choice. You can settle for the run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter programs that promise the moon but deliver a flickering star, or you can step into the arena with the best in the business.

You can go for the flashy facade, or you can invest in substance. Choose a provider that doesn’t just talk the talk but walks it too, because in the real world, results are the only thing that matters. Settle for mediocrity, or demand excellence.

That’s tough if you don’t know how to demand excellence. We’ve suffered from that same problem. So this week, we’re providing some tips for making an informed decision when selecting a training partner, ensuring that you receive high-quality and relevant education.

Evaluate Industry Reputation

Begin your search by assessing the reputation of potential training organisations within the industry. Don’t just rely on the big players. Some of the smaller, independent training organisations can provide as good, if not a better result for you and your staff.

Look for reviews, testimonials, and case studies from previous participants. A reputable organisation will have a track record of delivering effective training and positive outcomes for its students.

Examine the Instructors’ Credentials

A training organisation is only as good as its instructors. Research the qualifications, industry experience, and expertise of the instructors delivering the courses.

Instructors with practical experience in the subject matter bring real-world insights to the learning environment, making the training more relevant and effective. Just because someone works in an organisation delivering training doesn’t automatically mean that they have what it takes to be effective. Have they done audits, been a lab or quality manager, or have the runs on the board delivering successful outcomes for students?

We’ve heard many of our clients who have paid a premium price for training by some providers tell us that they learned little to nothing useful from attending one of those courses. They put it down to the knowledge and experience of the instructor, and how much they were allowed to say. It’s important to ask the question Don’t get caught up in the “spin” around the size of the training organisation.

Curriculum Relevance and Currency

Assess the curriculum to ensure it is up-to-date with industry trends and practices. Does the curriculum answer all your questions as a potential learner?

Is it training that has a high degree of participant-led design and delivery? Or is it a case of “Here’s the things we’ll cover, in this order, and you can take it or leave it.”? You might want to leave those kinds of training courses to others who don’t want to work better and smarter.

A relevant and current curriculum reflects the training organisation’s commitment to providing students with the latest knowledge and skills needed in the field. Inquire about the frequency of curriculum updates to ensure ongoing relevance.

Learning Methods and Resources

Consider the variety of learning methods and resources offered by the training organisation. A mix of lectures, practical exercises, case studies, and interactive sessions enhances the learning experience.

Will you walk away from the course with some useful outputs at the conclusion, like an internal audit that you can add to your records, a MU budget for at least one method, or specific systems that you can implement just for your lab without having to do any more thinking? Can your training provider consult with you so that you get a great answer to your specific situation and question?

This is not something all training providers offer. Ask the question and you might be surprised by the answer.

Additionally, access to resources such as online materials, libraries, and industry tools contributes to a comprehensive learning environment. Find out just what is provided, including the “after-sales” service.

Industry Partnerships and Networks

Strong ties with industry partners and networks are indicative of a training organisation’s commitment to staying connected with the professional community.

Is the organisation one which seems to put itself on a pedestal where nothing they teach is exposed to open and honest feedback from the industry? Or do they actively and continuously stay engaged with the lab community and seek feedback on the needs of the community and issues that labs are experiencing? A quick review of things like blogs and newsletters will tell you how sincere the organisation is with that part of the training offer.

Partnerships can also lead to guest lectures and workshops, providing students with a more holistic learning experience. Does your provider hold events where industry partners outside the organisation are welcome to present on topics of real relevance?

Training Support Services

Evaluate the support services provided by the training organisation. This includes mentorship programs, follow-up training sessions, and access to networks.

A comprehensive support system ensures that students receive assistance beyond the classroom, facilitating deeper insights and a more sustained application of the learning outcomes.

Flexibility and Accessibility

Consider the flexibility of the training programs, including scheduling options, online learning capabilities, and the availability of recorded sessions.

A training organisation that recognizes the diverse needs of its students ensures accessibility and accommodates various learning preferences.

In the end, it all boils down to one thing – the choices you make today shape the lab person you become tomorrow. Just like selecting the right case to champion, choosing the best education and professional training provider is a strategic move.

You can either settle for the ordinary, where your skills plateau and your potential remains untapped, or you can demand the extraordinary, where excellence becomes your standard.

So, choose wisely, invest wisely, and when you step into that lab or assessment, let your preparation speak volumes. Because when you’ve made the right choices, your success isn’t a question mark – it’s a foregone conclusion.

Now, go out there and let them wonder how you became a force to be reckoned with.

And while we have you, take a look at our training courses page to discover how we can help you become that force to be reckoned with. Our quality and technical training courses are all participant-led, practical, immediately relevant, and useful back in the workplace.

You’ll become a member of our large network which is the MAS Family of lab people and industry professionals. That means additional support when you need it by the people best placed to give you answers.

Whether we run training specifically for your lab or you’re part of a public session, we can help you achieve your goals.