Often as trainers we are asked to assess training needs as a pre-curser to the development of the training programmes.

This is an important step in the process if an organisation is to develop training that really meets the needs of its staff.

Training needs assessment usually includes:

• Development of questionnaires for self evaluation
• Interviewing staff individually or in groups
• Identifying organisational, occupational and personal objectives
• Obtaining useful third party feedback where relevant (e.g. auditors re financial skill levels)
• Undertaking Gap Analysis (Current versus Required Performance)
• Recommendation of training requirements