5 tips to choose a training provider

nathans
August 25, 2023

The success of your business hinges on having a highly skilled and motivated workforce. Investment in a training solution for your staff is at the core of fostering innovation, boosting productivity, and achieving sustainable growth. Choosing the right training provider need not be difficult. Here’s our top tips to help you choose the right training partner for you.

The decision to invest in employee training is not one to be taken lightly; it requires careful consideration and informed choices. If you’re not sure what to look for to help you meet the unique needs of your business, we’re here to help. 

Table of Contents

Look for a training partner that offers a range of learning options 

The right training partner will not try to offer you a one-size-fits-all training solution. It simply won’t work. You need to find the right training approach that works for your business – and your employees. 

The first step in finding the right training partner is to ensure that their offering aligns with the specific needs of your business. Because different businesses have diverse challenges, goals, and areas for improvement, you need to work with a training partner that understands your specific challenges. Anything less than a training strategy that caters exactly to your needs and goals may fall short of providing meaningful results. 

If you’re unsure about the kind of employee training that you need, the best approach would be to opt for a training partner that offers a wide array of programmes, including short courses and apprenticeships. 

Short courses offer targeted skill development, making them ideal for refining specific competencies.  

On the other hand, apprenticeships provide a comprehensive and structured framework for nurturing emerging talent within your organisation. Whether you’re looking for a short or long-term solution, make sure your training partner can provide what you ultimately end up choosing. 

There are other options available, including Sector-based Workplace Academy Programmes (SWAPs), suitable for larger Organisations, providing a bespoke programme to train up individuals before they start with their new company. ESP works with locally and nationally based companies in the Greater London, Greater Manchester, and Kent areas to deliver SWAPs. 

Look for the seal of quality: Ofsted certification

Of course, you need to be confident that the training provider you work with produces quality employee training plans with proven results. One of the most credible indicators of a training partner’s excellence is accreditation by Ofsted, the governing body for education. This accreditation is essentially the seal of approval that the training provider meets rigorous standards in teaching, learning, and assessment. Ofsted certification signals the provider’s commitment to delivering high-quality training that results in tangible skills and knowledge for your employees.

Working with a training partner with Ofsted accreditation will not only guarantee the quality of the training but also affirms that your investment in your workforce is being delivered by a reputable and trustworthy education organisation.

Look for a training provider that’s accredited by professional bodies (and supports CPD)

With technology and industry advancements being made at a faster rate than ever, it’s never been more important for your employees to be able to keep up with the pace. While searching for a training partner, look for one that embraces professional development; look for one accredited by a recognised professional awarding body. These bodies establish and maintain industry standards, ensuring that the training programmes offered are of the highest calibre and contribute to meaningful Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Choosing CPD-accredited training will equip your employees with relevant, practical skills to help them perform better in their current role, and they’ll also be able to collect CPD points to bolster their professional qualifications. It’s a win/win! Choosing a provider that continually refreshes its material to keep up with times highlights your commitment to your employees’ growth.

Look at what previous learners say

A training provider’s track record speaks volumes about the kind of partner they would be for your business. During the search for your provider, find out the experiences of previous learners. This will provide invaluable insights into the impact and effectiveness of their training programmes. Seek out testimonials, reviews, and case studies – whatever you can find – from employees who have undergone training with the prospective partner.

Personal accounts offer a unique perspective on the real-world benefits and applications of the training. If your prospective partner has a lot of positive feedback, then you can be confident that they have the ability to deliver on promises and facilitate a transformative learning experience. These first-hand accounts will go a long way in helping you choose a partner that can deliver tangible results and positive learning outcomes. 

Incredible company, incredible course! Just completed my first course and I absolutely loved it! The communication is incredible and whenever I didn’t fully understand something, they were so quick to provide help! Would definitely recommend them to anyone! Thank you for helping me achieve my dream 🙂

Stephanie 

Look for a provider that will tailor training to your business

The truth of the matter is that every single business will have different needs. No two businesses are exactly alike, each with their own distinct challenges and unique goals. A pre-packaged training solution might seem like a convenient option, but these kinds of things often fall short of addressing the specific needs of your organisation.

A training partner that offers bespoke training solutions can be a game-changer. Bespoke training takes into account your business’s size, industry, culture, and existing skill sets. This tailored approach to employee training allows you to create a customised training roadmap that addresses your company’s pain points and aspirations. Plus, investing in bespoke training ensures that your employees learn skills that are directly aligned with your business objectives, maximising the impact of your training investment.

Choosing the right employee training partner is an important decision that will impact on every corner of your organisation.

The training partner you end up working with could have a profound influence on the skill development, growth, and innovation within your business.

Looking for training providers that offer a variety of solutions, have credible accreditation, glowing learner feedback, and ones who offer bespoke training might seem like a big ask, but the Education and Skills Partnership is proof that one training provider can do it all.

The Estée Lauder Companies have partnered with ESP for several years and we have been incredibly supported by them during our partnership. The team at ESP are experts in their field and work collaboratively with us to ensure our programmes are always delivered to an exceptional standard.

Ashley Klue

How can we help?

The Education Skills and Partnership team is passionate about learning and development. We work with employers and employees alike to design a training and education programme that fits the needs of both parties.

Our learning and skills coaches are highly skilled and well-qualified in what they do. What’s most important to us is that our learners feel cared for and listened to and that our courses help them fulfil their potential, progress in their profession, and meet their individual career development goals.

To discuss how we can support you on your journey of developing transferable skills, get in touch with our team for a free consultation.

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