Finding it difficult to identify the right bite-sized training provider for you?
We know how time consuming and perplexing it can be when faced with an apparent mass of choice!
Many training providers say they can do everything – jack of all trades, masters of none?
We’ve now worked in the training and development industry for over 20 years and over this time have seen plenty of training that is both good, average and downright ugly.
The tips below will guide you in the right direction and help you select the bite-sized provider that you need.
In doing this, we feel a bit like the magician on TV who reveals the secrets of all the tricks!
Nonetheless, we think this is appropriate – and in any case only the lesser training providers will be concerned about our tips. Any great bite-sized provider will be more than able to respond to the points we’ve listed here.
Our top 10 insider tips
Bite-sized training experience?
Ask how long they have been delivering bite-sized training? As their traditional 1 and 2 day courses are no longer selling, many providers have recently added a reference to bite-sized in their offer. In reality however, beyond the odd bite-sized session here and there, few have much experience of actually designing or delivering it. What may seem to be easy, is in reality far more difficult in practice. We should know, as ever since 2005 we’ve been continually building our expertise to become the leading bite-sized training specialist with an unrivalled range of sessions.
Bite-sized session content?
Ask exactly what will happen in the bite-sized session, why, and for how long? A good provider will be able to easily answer this one – you’ll get bluster, bluff and vagueness from those who have never done it! We’ll give you straight answers because our sessions are tried and tested.
Bite-sized session design?
Ask who designs their bite-sized sessions and how do they approach this? Does it currently exist or are they going to cobble something together for you, buy something off-the-shelf, or maybe ask their trainer to make something up for you? We centrally design and quality control all our own 90 minute toolkit sessions. We know what works. We deliver consistency.
Bite-sized session materials and quality?
Ask to see the materials that participants will actually receive and use in the bite-sized sessions? We’ve seen this can range from nothing at all, to a basic one page worksheet, to a random collection of handouts. We provide participants with a comprehensive, high-quality learning guide and session handouts in every one of our 90 minute toolkit sessions.
Bite-sized trainers?
Ask who will deliver the bite-sized training, what they have delivered in this format, where and when? We approve all our trainers to deliver our 90 minute sessions. We’ve found that whilst there are undoubtedly some talented ‘day course’ trainers out there, this does not necessarily mean they are an effective bite-sized trainer!
Bite-sized track-record?
Ask for at least three client references you can call – where they have recently delivered their bite-sized training? Any great provider will have a large number of satisfied clients for you to speak with and you can then check out for yourself just how good you think their bite-sized training is.
Bite-sized evaluation?
Ask how they measure the effectiveness of their bite-sized training? We carefully monitor the impact of all our training as a key part of our continuous improvement philosophy.
Bite-sized guarantee?
Ask what guarantees (if any) they currently offer for their bite-sized training? A great training provider will have total confidence in the quality of their services. We do, and offer a no quibble guarantee to all our in-company training clients.
Bite-sized accreditation?
Ask what options exist for professional qualifications through their bite-sized training? As an Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) accredited centre, we can offer a wide range of qualifications (both UK and International) through our 90 minute toolkit sessions. Beware of providers who are not accredited – they cannot offer you real qualifications! The ILM ‘Endorsed’ and ‘Development’ Awards are not recognised qualifications, although some providers may try to give you the impression that they are!
Bite-sized outcomes?
Ask questions to determine if they seem more interested in just selling you training days rather than delivering the specific results you need. How flexible is their bite-sized training – examples of this? What additional expertise and added value support do they bring to the party?
