When a Company has new software, hardware or networks to be used by Employees, having a good Trainer on board is crucial. It's important to hire a Trainer who is competent and effective. Finding that candidate, however, takes hard work, unless you outsource it to IT Futures.
Here are some steps to get you started;
Evaluate your training needs and decide whether they are project specific or ongoing. An equipment-specific need requires you to look for a specialised type of Trainer, probably one associated with the equipment vendor such as VMware, Microsoft, Cisco or Juniper. Similarly, if you want to train employees about the specifications of a specific project, the Project Manager is the best place to start when looking for an Trainer.
Create a list of qualifications, certifications and traits you are looking for in a candidate for an Trainer. Be creative and don't be afraid to think outside the box, keeping in mind that just because a person knows how to do a job well doesn't mean he or she has the interpersonal skills to teach other people.
Consider interviewing in a non-conventional way. In addition to speaking to a candidate about his or her work experience and background, provide them with a hypothetical training topic prior to the interview and ask for a short outline and demonstration of their training presentation.
Hire a trainer who has some training skills - that is, one who is not only able and willing to demonstrate a skill, not just once, but as many times as it takes without frustration. Patience and tact are key. An effective Trainer can provide feedback without making his learner feel embarrassed or inept.
Work with the Trainer to create a comprehensive Training Plan, this is imperative. After providing them with a detailed outline of your training needs, work with them to come up with a realistic schedule of workshops, labs and scenarios. Schedule a follow-up meeting at which you will ask them to present an objective agenda and training approach.
