What are best practices and tips for facilitating training needs assessments?

1 Why TNA is important

TNA is not only a good practice, but also a necessity for any training facilitator. It helps you to understand the needs and expectations of your target audience, align your training objectives with the organizational goals, customize your content and methods to suit the learners' preferences and styles, and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of your training. Without a TNA, you might waste time, money, and resources on delivering training that is irrelevant, outdated, or ineffective.

2 How to conduct a TNA

There are different methods and steps to conduct a TNA, depending on the scope, scale, and complexity of the training project. However, a general framework consists of four phases: analysis, design, development, and evaluation. In each phase, you need to collect and analyze data from various sources, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, tests, documents, and feedback. You can use different tools and templates to help you organize and present your data, such as SWOT analysis, gap analysis, competency matrix, learning objectives template, and evaluation plan template.

3 What tools and templates to use

There are many tools and templates available online to assist in conducting a TNA. Examples include SurveyMonkey, a popular platform for creating and distributing surveys, quizzes, and polls; MindTools, a website with resources and tools for learning and development professionals; and eLearning Industry, an online community with articles, blogs, webinars, and ebooks on TNA topics. These platforms offer various templates, such as TNA questionnaires, TNA report templates, learning styles questionnaires, and training evaluation forms. Additionally, they provide guidance on how to conduct a TNA for online training, use data analytics for TNA, and create a TNA checklist.

4 How to apply the results

Once you have completed your TNA, you need to apply the results to design and deliver your training program. You need to use the data to define your training objectives, select your content and methods, choose your delivery mode and format, and plan your evaluation strategy. You need to ensure that your training program is aligned with the needs and expectations of your target audience, as well as the goals and vision of your organization. You also need to monitor and measure the outcomes and impact of your training program, and make adjustments as needed.

5 How to improve your TNA skills

TNA is an ongoing process of improvement and as a training facilitator, you need to continuously update your skills and knowledge. To improve your TNA skills, you can take online courses or workshops on topics such as conducting a TNA, using tools and templates, and analyzing data. Additionally, reading books or articles on best practices, trends, and case studies can be beneficial. You can also join online or offline communities or networks of training facilitators to exchange ideas, tips, and resources with other professionals while seeking feedback and support. For example, the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), or the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI).