Training and Development > Training Needs Assessment

Training Needs Assessment

How do you decide who to train, and on what?

1. Review employee job descriptions and associated National Occupational Standards. List the knowledge, skills, behaviours, and attitudes required for each position.
2. Assess employees’ existing knowledge and performance by:
3. Observing performance directly.
4. Having employees complete questionnaires.
5. Interviewing and consulting with employees.
6. Testing employees’ job-related knowledge, skills, behaviours, attitudes.
7. Examining performance reviews for recurring issues and problems. 
8. Compare knowledge and performance levels with required or desired levels to identify gaps and answer the following questions to determine what can be addressed with training: What gaps exist in performance?
9. What training is required to move to higher levels of performance? e.g., could team building and related activities help improve productivity?
10. What gaps require training on product knowledge or other company-specific information such as policies and procedures?
11. Can stronger employees mentor weaker ones?
12. What gaps result in lost opportunities? Can training help win these back?

Need help? Use emerit’s Training Needs Assessment Guide!