Part 3:
What is training management, and why is it important?
‘Training management’ means that your organisation can demonstrate that you have delivered suitable training, that people have understood it, and that you have considered a suitable refresher period. Whether people attend a 15-minute stand-up “Toolbox” talk or a four-day classroom course, you need a way of checking understanding and recording attendance.
Workplace training can take many forms, for example:
On the job
If provided by a good trainer or mentor, this can give realistic and role-relevant experience to the employee. However, it is often poorly documented and can encourage the transmission of bad or outdated work habits.
Classroom – based
This format can transmit a lot of information in a short amount of time and provide a good overview of the theory behind safety training. It is also easier to record attendance. However, irrelevant training can lead to learners disengaging and it’s also dependent on the physical availability of workers.
eLearning
This allows workers to learn in their own time, at a pace that suits them. A good eLearning system allows you to record attendance, enable feedback and set exercises or tests. However, it means learners can’t ask questions, and some may not be comfortable with technology.
Whatever approach you choose to deliver training, you must be able to show that the training has taken place.
Documentation could include:
- Attendance records
- Assessment results
- Proof of certification (for forklift driving, working at height, SafePass in Ireland etc.)
- Dates of training expiration
- Evidence of updated training
- Dates of refresher training
- Learner feedback
- Tests or examinations
- Proof of plant or equipment-specific training
- Details and qualification of trainers (evidence of a ‘train the trainer’ approach, if relevant)
Your training records should be accessible at all times and frequently audited. Crucially, you need to be able to show that the training has been understood by employees. You need to be mindful that appropriate language is used (including for those who may not have English as a first language).