When evaluating the training that's required to achieve your business goals, you should also identify the training needs of your employees.

There are training options for all staff - from entry level workers to board level executives.  Training needs vary based upon how your business is structured, and how responsibilities are shared and distributed.

First you should assess the nature of your employees' work and the competencies that your business requires to run efficiently.

Consider the following questions:

• What skills and knowledge are required to perform the work of your staff?
• What are the measures of successful performance of their work?
• Are your employees reaching these levels?

Your employees will be the best resource for this information. They will be able to tell you what is and isn't working.

You should ensure that your employees have a job description that clearly describes the skills and knowledge required to do the job. This will help your assessment of training needs.

Use Training Packages

If you need help determining which competencies your staff need to achieve, you may find ideas in one of the many Training Packages that are offered across all industries.

Training Packages outline the skills and knowledge a person must demonstrate at work, and provide guidelines for assessing competencies.

Consider your employees' response

For the training to return maximum benefits the training should also meet the needs of your employees individually. For example, answer these questions:

• How will your employees accept the training?
• How do your employees prefer to learn?
• What expectations do they have about the training?
• How will training impact on your employees' regular job functions?
• How will the age, gender, skills and experiences of your employees affect the nature of the training?

 This information will come directly from your employees, or your personal knowledge of them. You may conduct a questionnaire or informal interview to include in your training records.