In order to stay competitive, most companies want to attract, retain, and motivate the best job candidates. Training departments, which are sometimes merged with human resources departments in smaller businesses, work to provide this internal service to businesses. A training director, who has many responsibilities, is usually in charge of this vital department. Analyzing development needs, designing training programs, and managing training department staff members are among the most common responsibilities of a training director.
Analyzing current training models and evaluating a company’s specific needs is one of the most important aspects of the training director’s job. This person meets and works with each department head, such as the sales director or manager, to determine the strengths, challenges, and needs of each manager. The training director may suggest technical or interpersonal improvements for the actual manager after spending time with the department head. He or she might also collaborate with the manager to compile a list of the department’s specific training requirements. Many training directors use this period of data collection to identify high performers who should be placed on grooming plans as well.
After meeting with all department heads and determining the current company needs, the training director usually develops a company training system. Depending on the needs of the company, this design could be simple or complex. It usually includes a class or program for new employees to learn about the company’s mission, philosophy, internal software system, and product or service information. Annual training refresher classes for tenured employees could also be included in the plan. Most plans also include steps for career advancement or promotion.
The training director is typically in charge of both the overall training plan and the training specifics. Timelines, such as when training is required throughout the year or at a specific point in a person’s career, are examples. The training logistics, such as online training modules, classroom training, or outside seminars, should also be outlined in the design. It usually includes a training evaluation, which allows participants to express how they felt about the training.
The training director informs the training department staff of the new policies and systems once the training plan and design are in place, and sometimes even during the design process. He or she manages and evaluates the trainers’ job performance as well as directs and assigns training classes to them. The training manager is frequently in charge of developing and managing the training budget as well as travel arrangements.