How do we ensure effective transfer of skills into the workplace?
The best
training in the world does not guarantee improved performance. Just because
someone has learnt something new on a training course does not necessarily mean
they will make the required changes in behaviour in the workplace. Therefore,
ensuring the transfer of skills learnt on the course to the actual job is the
key to providing a positive impact on job performance.
There are several actions we take in order to promote learning and ensure the
transfer of skills into the workplace.
An important aspect is creating an appropriate pre-training
environment, and we achieve this by:
• Completion of a skills audit to heighten trainees’ awareness
of skills which need improving and therefore creating the right pre-training
conditions for learning
• Ensuring the training is explained appropriately to enhance motivation
to learn
• Guiding trainees’ expectations of training through the communication
of comprehensive joining instructions training objectives and completion of
a pre-course questionnaire and an ‘advance organiser’, usually taking
the form of a short activity to be completed prior to training
• Agreeing and communicating to trainees’ manager follow-up meetings
and support for the implementation of development action plans in the workplace
During training we use:
• Personal contracting to promote learner motivation
• Positive feedback and encouragement to enhance self-efficacy and trainees’
expectations of successful application of skills
• Elaboration and consolidation activities to promote retention
• Assessment on a continual basis to ensure delegates are continually
motivated
• A development action plan where trainees are required to record development
opportunities for implementation in the workplace
Also, post-training:
• We encourage organisations to establish an appropriate post-training
transfer climate, which includes providing manager/mentor support, opportunities
for practice of skills, sufficient time/resources to apply new skills, positive
feedback and recognition for skills application.
• We can provide follow-up activities, telephone calls, visits and assessment
if required
The best
training in the world does not guarantee improved performance. Just because
someone has learnt something new on a training course does not necessarily mean
they will make the required changes in behaviour in the workplace. Therefore,
ensuring the transfer of skills learnt on the course to the actual job is the
key to providing a positive impact on job performance.