The 5 Ws of Running a Training Course

Time and time again I meet with companies who are thinking about running a training course. Although as some one who firmly believes in the benefits of staff training and running effective training courses, it often amazes me the lack of thought that often goes in to the real goals wanted to achieve from the training course.

I often tell people that when considering running a training course they should consider the 5 Ws of questions. Without seriously gong through these 5 Ws most training courses will lack focus.

The type of questions you should be able to answer for all the 5 Ws are as follows:

The first W stands for why?

WHY are we looking at doing this training course?
WHY will this training course benefit the delegates?
WHY is running a training course the best way to achieve this?

The second W stands for what?

What are we going to be able to observe the delegates do different after the training course?
What intellectual level should the training course be pitched at?
What can we realistically achieve from the training course in the proposed timescale?
What will the expectations of the group be from the proposed training course?

The third W stands for whom?

Whom should we invite to this training course?
Who will be able to cover for the delegates whilst they are on the training course?
Who will evaluate the training course to ensure the transfer of learning took place?

The fourth W stands for when?

When will this training course suit the company?
When will the training course be of greatest benefit to the delegates?
When should we be considering a follow up training course if appropriate?
When should we have a feedback session with the trainer of the training course after the training course event takes place?

The final W stands for Where?

Where will the training course take place?
Where will we get the relevant training materials for the training course to be effective?

So for anyone who is thinking of holding a training course, please ensure you remember the 5 Ws before you end up spending your budget on a training course that does not deliver what you want.

The real key to effective training courses is to be extremely clear in what you want the training course to achieve.