Technical Training Equipment's are used by colleges, polytechnics, universities and companies to create realistic learning environments for students to train for professional skills, often industrial.

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Setting up an effective training environment at the right cost and risk requires many considerations, and that's what this blog post is going to cover in a straightforward and condensed (no bullshit) manner.

• Our promise: after reading this blogpost you will be more than ready to jump straight into the works of developing your own training center

Let's have a look at what we will cover, summarized below:
 

Phase Activity Goal Framework Establish training needs, jobs, competencies, & curriculum Form Your Framework Baseline Gap analysis of training goals and existing teaching tools Understand Current State Limitations Consider physical limitations of your training environment Analyze Limitations Research Establishing relevant sourcing parameters, what is important Establish Your Needs Sourcing Searching for suitable products & services from different sources Evaluate Products Procuring Requesting quotations, evaluating offers, potentially negotiating Evaluate Cost & Risk Purchasing Entering into contract, paying for and receiving products & services Manage Implementation Maintaining Manage resources, risk, & relationships, implement improvement Maintain & Improve

As you can see we have separated this process into eight phases, with their own activities and goals. In the blogpost below we will explain each phase in detail, with a large amount of tips to make sure you have all the tools necessary for managing your project.

• Bonus: at the end of the blogpost you will find a link to download this blogpost as a free eBook, complete with templates to help you stay organized.

Ready to get started? Let's jump right in!

Index:

Chapter 1: Form Your Framework Through Preparatory Work

Chapter 2: Baseline of Existing Training Technologies

Chapter 3: Consider Physical Limitations of your Training Environment

Chapter 4: Establishing Relevant Sourcing Parameters

Chapter 5: Sourcing Technical Training Equipment (the search)

Chapter 6: Procuring Technical Training Equipment (negotiating the offer)

Chapter 7: Purchasing Technical Training Equipment (placing the order)

Chapter 8: Management & Maintenance of your Training Environment 

Chapter 9: Conclusion

Chapter 1: Form Your Framework Through Preparatory Work

If you are developing a technical learning environment, a vocational workshop, or an engineering lab, this will most likely be to support a specific course, a training program, a full diploma or even a degree.

We know it's exciting to start looking into instructional technology, equipment and learning systems, but before jumping into this, let’s take a step back and explore the reasoning for why we are doing what we are doing, let's form our framework.

Ask yourself, is all the preparatory work done and do we have a sound logic for what we are trying to achieve? At Edquip we use to suggest that you at least explore the five levels of analysis below, before you start evaluating training tools.
 

Training Needs Analysis

Your training center (whether its public, private or enterprise) has identified all possible foreseeable workforce needs for your country, region, or enterprise. Essentially this means that you have a clear list of which jobs (trades & occupations) will be in demand and you have prioritized them accordingly.
 

Job Analysis

For each job identified in step 1 – you have established a panel of experts consisting of: subject matter experts, top trainers, coaches, assessors etc. with a deep level of understanding of the job function. This panel has closely reviewed, listed, and segmented into units the various work tasks associated with each job. Essentially this means you already know clearly which tasks needs to be performed at each job.
 

Identification of Competencies

The list of tasks identified in step 2 has thereafter been mapped by the panel to the awareness, knowledge, skill, attitude and competencies which the learners need to acquire, in order to do the job well. Essentially this means that you have traced back and identified what the learners need to learn.
 

Competency Development Framework

The competency development framework you have developed, is neatly tying together the different jobs, units, individual tasks and the awareness, knowledge, skill, attitude and competencies that learners needs to acquire to perform each task. This is formulated into learning areas and the key is that each piece of learning is measurable and verifiable to a standard level required.
 

Development of Curriculum & Training Programs

The successful German dual education system combines apprenticeships in a company simultaneously with education and training at a vocational school, within one course. The competency development framework from step 4 above, should be translated into curriculum and teaching material for both on and off the work training (for dual systems), alternatively just for class-based training systems. Emphasis should be on both theoretical and practical exercises and ideally plotted to existing courses and resources.
 

Summary

As explained in the five steps process above, you should have a clear understanding about which jobs your training centers should be preparing learners for. You should understand which are the tasks necessary to be performed in each job, and what awareness, knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies the learners need to acquire to perform their job well.

You should also have a competency development framework (CDF) which indicates measurable and verifiable learning experiences to a standard level required. When that is then translated into curriculum and teaching materials you have a good foundation of steering documents for supporting your acquisition process for didactic training equipment.

Chapter 2: Baseline of Existing Training Technologies

Do you have a current training center with existing technology? Are you unsure if your training systems and equipment are up to date? You might ask yourself these types of questions when you are to revamp, extend, or scale-up your training program.

Perhaps the easiest way to assess your existing training equipment is by analyzing if it can support effective learning of the skills which your training center is supposed to teach.
 

List all Skills & Competencies

First, make sure you have a clear picture of which skills and competencies are to be taught, and that they are measurable and verifiable to a standard level required (Chapter 1).Also, while workforce development takes a long time to implement and assess, technology development is only accelerating into shorter and shorter development and adoption cycles.

Therefore, it is critical to highlight the importance of not only focusing on CURRENT workforce needs, but also on FUTURE workforce needs. To properly include future workforce needs we suggest analyzing both local industry needs and predictions, as well as global macro technology trends for the near to medium future.
 

List all Instructional Technologies

Second, take stock of the different types of instructional technologies and educational tools which you have available for learners in your training center. Make sure to include, machines, equipment, hardware training systems, e-learning, software simulation tools, virtual reality training, educational contents etc.

Ideally you should know which type of skills each training system can effectively teach, the depth of the knowledge transferred and the richness of the learning experience.
 

Map Skills to Technologies

Third, map the two lists of (a) Skills & Competencies and (b) Instructional Technologies towards each other, this exercise will make it clear:

• which Skills & Competencies are well met and supported, poorly covered, or totally unaddressed by the existing Instructional Technology.
• which Instructional Technology is currently adequate, which should be reviewed, and which is superfluous for training the desired Skills & Competencies.

The goal of this exercise is to be able to swiftly decide which existing training equipment should be reviewed further before we decide to keep, or to discard them.
 

Evaluate / Assess existing training equipment

There are various reasons as to why we want to implement educational technology, namely improving learning outcomes, instructional processes, access to learning and scalability, lowering costs, increasing organizational capacity etc.

Considering these different reasons, we have aggregated the below list of parameters to make evaluation and assessment as easy as possible. Since priorities differ between each training provider, we suggest that you use the below parameters in any combination and with whichever weighting that makes sense for you.
 

Learning Outcomes:

• Subject knowledge (level of content quality, student outcome)
• Hand skills preparedness (degree of hands-on, physically applied, kinesthetic learning)
• Problem solving (degree of included fault diagnostics, troubleshooting processes)
• Job readiness (degree to which the technology is the same as used in future job)
• Technology literacy (degree of preparation to work in a digital environment)
• Information literacy (promotes reflective and critical discovery of information)

Instructional Processes:

• Safety aspects (degree of which safety requirements are considered)
• Collaboration & teamwork (didactic approach to small group work)
• Teaching efficiency (is process and approach efficient considering trainer time)
• Trainer workload (will workload decrease or increase)
• Subject knowledge (level of content quality, trainer outcome)

Access & Scalability

• Reach (degree of off-premises access to learning experience)
• Simulations (degree of pre-class simulation training to increase learning effectiveness)
• Tech support (availability of tech support from producer, supplier, distributor etc.)
• Total cost of ownership (purchase costs, ongoing costs, maintenance costs etc.)
• Use whichever parameters are important for you, assess the existing training equipment and decide which are worth keeping.
   

Planning of Training Environment

Once you know which training equipment makes sense to keep, and which to discard, it’s time to dig into planning your training environment. The training environment is the room, workshop, or laboratory in which you will be conducting the training.

The better that such an environment is initially planned and organized, the higher use and lower cost the final training environment will have.

Good planning of the training environment starts by knowing which occupations we are training for, which exact tasks are performed at each job, what needs to be learnt, and at which verifiable and standard level required (chapter 1).

Furthermore, it is important that the design has utilization in mind, that it includes elaborations of learning concepts, room data sheets with descriptions of utilization and with input from all prospective users of the learning space.

Based on such understanding it is possible to decide what type of equipment and training systems should be used, and how to physically organize them in the learning environment for the highest potential learning output.

In the next chapter we will explore the physical layout and limitations.

Chapter 3: Consider Physical Limitations of your Training Environment

Considerations related to the physical space where the training equipment will be housed are crucial. Here are some parameters associated with the building and space requirements:
 

Space Availability

Assess the available space in your training facility to determine if it can accommodate the size and layout of the equipment. Consider factors such as floor space, wall clearance, and room dimensions.
 

Ceiling Heights

Ensure that the ceiling heights in the training area are sufficient to accommodate any tall or overhead equipment. This is particularly important for equipment such as industrial machinery or overhead projectors.
 

Door Frame Sizes and Elevators

Measure the door frame sizes to ensure that the equipment can be easily moved in and out of the training area without encountering obstacles. If the workshop or lab space is not on the ground floor, consider if they fit within the elevators of the building.
 

Ventilation and Airflow

Evaluate the ventilation and airflow systems in the training area to ensure adequate circulation of air, especially if the equipment generates heat or emissions. Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a comfortable and safe learning environment.
 

Electrical and Power Requirements

Determine the electrical and power requirements of the equipment, including voltage, wattage, and outlet specifications. Ensure that the training area has sufficient electrical capacity to support the equipment without overloading circuits.
 

Flooring and Surface Considerations

Choose flooring materials that are durable and suitable for the type of equipment being used. Consider factors such as slip resistance, impact absorption, and ease of cleaning.
 

Storage and Workspace Organization

Plan for adequate storage space to store the equipment when not in use, as well as space for students to work and collaborate during training sessions. Consider storage solutions such as cabinets, shelves, or dedicated equipment rooms.
 

Acoustic Considerations

Assess the acoustic properties of the training area to minimize noise disruptions and ensure a conducive learning environment. Consider acoustic treatments such as soundproofing materials or acoustic panels if necessary.
 

Lighting Conditions

Evaluate the lighting conditions in the training area to ensure sufficient illumination for safe and comfortable operation of the equipment. Consider factors such as natural light, artificial lighting, and glare reduction.
 

Health and Safety Regulations

Ensure that the training area complies with health and safety regulations and building codes relevant to the type of equipment being used. This includes requirements for fire safety, emergency exits, and hazard prevention.

Chapter 4: Establishing Relevant Sourcing Parameters

Before starting the search, we recommend that you establish the parameters which are important to achieve the goals in your learning environment. The relative importance of each parameter is always different for each situation and institution, which is why the list below is presented in no particular order.
 

Relevance to Curriculum

Ensure that the equipment aligns with the curriculum or learning objectives of your training program. It should cover the necessary topics and skills that students need to learn. If you have done your homework in Chapter 1, this will be a piece of cake.
 

Effectiveness of Teaching

To which extent does the training equipment transfer; subject knowledge; technology literacy; and hands-on preparedness to the learners? What non-biased proof of such knowledge and skills transfer exists?
 

Quality and Durability

Invest in high-quality equipment that is durable and built to withstand frequent use. Quality equipment will last longer and provide a better learning experience.
 

Safety Features

Safety should be a top priority when selecting training equipment. Ensure that the equipment meets safety standards and includes features to protect users from accidents or injuries.
 

User-Friendly Interface

Choose equipment with a user-friendly interface that is easy for students to operate and understand. Intuitive controls and clear instructions can enhance the learning experience.
 

Scalability and Expandability

Consider whether the equipment can be easily scaled or expanded to accommodate future growth or changes in your training program. This includes compatibility with additional modules or accessories.
 

Technical Support and Maintenance

Look for equipment that comes with reliable technical support and maintenance services. This can include training for instructors, troubleshooting assistance, and warranty coverage.
 

Integration with Technology

If applicable, consider whether the equipment integrates with other technology platforms or software tools used in your learning environment. Compatibility with digital learning platforms can enhance the overall learning experience.
 

Cost-Effectiveness

Evaluate the cost of the equipment relative to its features, quality, and durability. Choose equipment that offers good value for your budget and long-term investment.
 

Feedback and Reviews

Research feedback and reviews from other educators or institutions that have used the equipment. This can provide valuable insights into its effectiveness and reliability.
 

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Select equipment that provides hands-on learning opportunities for students. Interactive exercises and real-world simulations can help reinforce theoretical concepts and practical skills.
 

Versatility and Flexibility

Look for equipment that can be used for a variety of exercises and simulations, allowing students to explore different scenarios and applications within the subject area.
 

Portability and Storage

Depending on your needs, consider the portability of the equipment and whether it can be easily transported or stored when not in use. This is especially important for mobile training units or programs with limited space.
 

Industry Standards and Certifications

If applicable, choose equipment that meets industry standards or certifications relevant to the field of study. This can help students gain credibility and recognition in the job market.
 

Data Collection and Analysis Capabilities

Look for equipment that allows students to collect and analyze data, providing opportunities for practical experimentation and research. This can be particularly beneficial in STEM fields.
 

Integration with Real-World Equipment

If possible, select equipment that integrates with or simulates real-world industrial or laboratory equipment. This can provide students with valuable hands-on experience and familiarity with industry-standard tools.
 

Collaborative Learning Features

Consider whether the equipment supports collaborative learning experiences, such as group projects or team-based exercises. Features like multi-user interfaces or networking capabilities can facilitate collaboration among students.
 

Customization and Personalization Options

Choose equipment that offers customization or personalization options, allowing instructors to tailor the learning experience to the specific needs and interests of their students.
 

Feedback Mechanisms

Look for equipment that provides feedback mechanisms, such as performance metrics or error tracking, to help students monitor their progress and identify areas for improvement.
 

Language requirements

Is the content language available either in the mother tongue of my learners, or can they manage with content in a secondary well spread global language?
 

Workload on Educator

To which extent does the training system add to or decrease the workload of the educator? Does it improve upon current existing processes which the educator needs to perform anyways, or does it add more administrational tasks for the educator which might not have an obvious value?
 

Environmental Impact

Evaluate the environmental impact of the equipment, including factors such as energy efficiency, recyclability, and use of sustainable materials. Choose equipment that minimizes its carbon footprint and environmental footprint overall.
 

Chapter 5: Sourcing Technical Training Equipment (the search)

The goal of the search is to initially go wide to get the lay of the land, and then go deep to come up with a handful of training systems that at initial sight meet your requirements. Below we have listed a few common ways to search for training equipment, you can use any combination of these or decide to stick with one.

Chapter 6: Procuring Technical Training Equipment (evaluating different offers)

Once you have searched and found suitable training technologies your sourcing phase has come to an end and you will step into the procurement phase. In the procurement phase the goal is to find the best value for money, which means that you will be interacting with suppliers of the different products you have identified.

The first step is to request quotations from the manufacturers, which can be done through an online marketplace like Edquip, it is time to request quotations to understand the general costs and some common terms for the future purchase.
 

Equipment Costs

Compare the costs of the equipment proposed by different suppliers. Consider not only the initial purchase price but also any additional fees or charges associated with customization, upgrades, or optional accessories.
 

Ongoing Costs

Evaluate the long-term costs associated with maintaining and operating the equipment. This may include expenses such as consumables, replacement parts, software licenses, and maintenance contracts. Assess whether these ongoing costs fit within your budget constraints.
 

Incoterms

Review the proposed Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) to understand the responsibilities and obligations of both the buyer and the seller regarding the delivery of the equipment. This includes aspects such as transportation, insurance, and risk transfer.
 

Shipping Costs

Consider the shipping costs associated with transporting the equipment from the supplier's location to your facility. Evaluate whether the proposed shipping method and carrier are cost-effective and reliable. Air freight is quick, but sea freight is more economical. 
 

Importation Costs

Assess any importation costs or customs duties that may apply when bringing the equipment into your country. Factor in taxes, tariffs, and other fees to accurately estimate the total landed cost of the equipment.
 

Installation, Commissioning, Training

Review the proposal to determine whether installation, commissioning, and training services are included. Evaluate the scope of these services, including the duration, level of support, and training materials provided.
 

Warranty

Examine the warranty terms offered by the supplier to ensure adequate coverage for the equipment. Pay attention to the duration of the warranty, what is covered (e.g., parts, labor), and any exclusions or limitations.
 

Lead Time

Consider the lead time required for manufacturing, delivery, and installation of the equipment. Understand that education equipment manufacturers normally “produce-to-order” as opposed to selling “off-the-shelf” products. Evaluate whether the proposed timeline aligns with your project schedule and training program timelines.
 

Technical Specifications and Compliance

Ensure that the proposed equipment meets your technical specifications and complies with relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety requirements. Verify that the equipment is suitable for your intended use and learning objectives.
 

Supplier Reputation and Support

Research the reputation and track record of the supplier to assess their reliability, customer service, and technical support capabilities. Consider factors such as references, reviews, and past performance when evaluating the proposal.
 

Payment Terms

Review the proposed payment terms, financing options, and payment schedules offered. Do these payment terms align to the risk you are prepared to take? If you are looking for a lower risk profile with a Letter of Credit (LC), evaluate if the extensive work associated is necessary, or if the escrow solutions offered by Edquip meets your needs.
 

Potential Negotiation

Once you have an overview of the costs and the terms of comparable equipment, this is a time when you should make sure that any offers are suitable for your needs and that you accept the terms and conditions. If you think that there is room for negotiation either in price or regarding any of the terms, this is the time to ask for it, before you decide which equipment to buy. Once an offer is accepted, the Vendors are typically not keen on any negotiation.

Chapter 7: Purchasing Technical Training Equipment (placing the order)

After evaluating the different offers and potentially negotiating, you will enter into the phase of purchasing, which is to actively enter into a contract with suppliers, to pay for and to receive products and services according to the terms agreed.

Below are a number of important parameters to consider throughout the product purchasing phase.
 

Budget Management

Track expenses closely to ensure that the purchase stays within the allocated budget. Monitor costs related to equipment purchase, shipping, importation, installation, training, and ongoing maintenance.
 

Vendor Communication

Maintain clear and open communication with the selected vendor(s). Keep track of all correspondence, to ensure that expectations are aligned and any issues are addressed promptly.
 

Procurement Timeline

Monitor the progress of the procurement process to ensure that it stays on schedule. Keep track of key milestones, such as order placement and confirmation, production lead times, shipping, and delivery dates, and execution of installation, commissioning, and training, to avoid delays.
 

Quality Assurance

Verify that the equipment meets quality standards and specifications outlined in the proposal or contract. Conduct inspections upon delivery to ensure that the equipment is in good condition and free from defects or damage.
 

Compliance and Documentation

Ensure that all necessary documentation, including contracts, invoices, shipping documents, and certificates of compliance, are in order. Keep track of any regulatory requirements or certifications needed for the equipment.
 

Risk Management

Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with the procurement process, such as supply chain disruptions, delivery delays, or quality issues. Develop contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges and minimize their impact.
 

Payment Processing

Manage payments according to the agreed-upon terms and conditions outlined in the contract or purchase order. Keep track of payment deadlines, methods of payment, and any invoicing discrepancies that may arise. Coordinate with finance or procurement departments to ensure timely processing of payments.
 

Installation and Commissioning

Coordinate the installation and commissioning of the equipment according to the agreed-upon schedule. Monitor progress to ensure that installation is completed correctly, and that the equipment is functioning as expected.
 

Training and Support

Schedule and coordinate training sessions for instructors and end-users on how to operate the equipment effectively. Ensure that training materials and resources are provided and that technical support services are available as needed.
 

User Feedback and Evaluation

Gather feedback from instructors and students, regarding their experience with the equipment. Evaluate user satisfaction, performance, and any areas for improvement to inform future purchasing decisions.

The company is the world’s best Didactic Training Equipment supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Chapter 8: Management & Maintenance of your Training Environment

Once you have researched, sourced, procured, and purchased the necessary instructional technologies your learning environment is set up, but the work doesn’t end here.

Managing and maintaining a technical training center is no rocket science, but it helps if you: (1) stay educated, (2) are organized, and (3) invest in the relationship with Vendors.
 

Safety requirements

Some training equipment has dangerous components, such as the use of gases (chemical engineering), high voltage (power engineering / e-mobility), high pressure (hydraulics / pneumatics) etc.

Make sure that you are aware of which types of safety requirements are necessary for your training center, train your staff, make sure that any dangerous procedures are clearly documented and adhered to, and go through the necessary continuous infrastructure checkups.
 

Insurance

The most common workplace accidents are associated with improper and untrained usage of machines and equipment. Training students correctly will reduce accidents and fatalities in future workplaces, but it also poses a risk that something might go wrong during training.

To limit risk should something go wrong, make sure that your insurance does not lapse so that you always have coverage for your specific training activities.
 

Product warranty

Most Vendors of training systems, machines and didactic equipment will guarantee their product against manufacturing faults, meaning they will provide spare parts, repair, or replace faulty products.

The product warranty typically differs anywhere from 12 to 60 months (1-5 years) depending on Vendor, country, usage environment (high humidity, extreme heat) etc.

Make sure you know your product guarantees and do a proper review of the training systems well in time before the product guarantee lapses.
 

Software updates

If your training system requires timely updates, make sure you are aware of this and that any notifications from the producer reach you accordingly. Sometimes software updates can be conditional for keeping the product guarantee active.
 

Technical Support

If you run into technical problems, the majority of producers will be able to provide you with remote technical support, either through video conferencing systems or through proprietary communications and support-ticket management systems.

Check which type of technical support you can be provided such as a formal ticketing system, via , via etc. Also check if the turn-around-time for support tickets meets your requirements, or if you need to put in place a special service level agreement.
 

Maintenance

The Vendor might have general maintenance recommendations for the equipment, make sure that you know what they are and that you follow them accordingly, this often prolongs the lifetime of your apparatus.

Also, some manufacturers of didactic products offer maintenance programs in which they will travel to your destination and service your equipment. Most often this is an “add-on-service” which can be purchased alongside the initial equipment, and sometimes afterwards.
 

Vendor relationships

As customers we sometime come across a company which “just gets it” regarding how to treat and take care of their customers. The truth is that the same applies to how Vendors perceive their Customers.

How can you as a customer receive quick, professional, and loving care from your producer? There is only one way to get there, invest time into building a good relationship, some tips, and tricks below:

When you need technical support first try to solve the problem yourself, read the manual, read the FAQ, do the trouble shooting, chances are that the solution is documented. If you still need support, explain what you have done, it helps to zero in on the problem, Vendors love that.

If you have suggestions for improvement, either administrational, technical, or pedagogical, share it with the vendor, it will help them improve and they will love you for it.

Many Vendors want to provide case studies and success stories in their marketing campaigns. If you can provide them with photos, videos, student testimonials, key statistics, and numbers which they can use for case studies, then consider yourself already among the top customers.
 

Asset management software

If your training center has different types of training equipment from diverse suppliers, managing this infrastructure is cumbersome but rewarding. An asset management software is a tool which can help you bring order and processes to keeping track of important commercial documentation, reminders, technical support requests, communications etc.
 

Organizational knowledge

Maintaining knowledge within your training center and making it available for everyone can prevent troubles when key-personnel leave.

Putting in place information sharing procedures and systems goes a long way if combined with clearly defined responsibilities tied to yearly employee follow-ups. We also highly recommend that various personnel are present when producers do initial training.
 

Budgeting

Setting up didactic technology and learning infrastructure in a training center does not only require the purchase of didactic equipment, but also of ongoing management and maintenance.

When managing the budget for a training center it is important to take into consideration the full cost of ownership and to set aside sufficient resources for continuous management.

Chapter 9: Conclusion

As you can see from this article, building an effective learning environment for technical subjects and skills requires many considerations. At Edquip, we understand the importance of laying a solid foundation for your technical learning environment.

As you embark on the journey of sourcing didactic training equipment, our online marketplace streamlines the search process, provides solutions for easy comparison of different equipment, as well as quotations and proposals. Further we provide a dashboard to manage communications with different Vendors, and a step-by-step purchase process which is tied into safe transactions through escrow solutions.

Whether you're establishing a vocational workshop, engineering lab, or training center, our comprehensive approach ensures that you're equipped with the right tools to achieve your educational objectives.

Did you know that companies offering comprehensive employee training programs have218% higher income per employee than companies without formalised training?

The creation of effective, well-designed training materials is key to organisational success. And the ability of L&D teams to quickly produce high-quality content is more than a necessity - it's an art. Whether it involves onboarding new employees or developing skills, the challenge lies in balancing quick turnaround with maintaining quality. Thankfully, the emergence of AI is revolutionising this process. In this guide we’re here to explore how you can streamline preparing training materials, particularly with technology, ensuring efficiency without compromising on quality. Let’s learn how to create training materials efficiently and smartly.

Understanding the basics of how to create training materials

At the heart of any successful training program are the learning materials themselves. These training materials, whether in digital or print format, form the foundation of learning paths and programs. Each piece of content is crafted with a specific learning goal in mind to create a comprehensive training experience. 

Organisations develop training materials to serve various purposes, including: 

• Onboarding new employees
• Rolling out new products or systems
• Customer education
• Continuous professional skills development
• Compliance training
• Technical skills development

Strong training materials clearly communicate their intended message and meet the learning objectives set forth. When creating training materials, remember they should be engaging, easy to understand, and relevant to the learner’s needs. 

For example, a well-designed training manual or online course imparts knowledge and enhances employee performance, process execution, or task management. When organisations develop effective training materials, the results are often profound. They can increase organisational productivity, reduce errors, and boost employee performance, satisfaction, and confidence.

Traditionally, creating learning material was a meticulous process. It typically starts with identifying the training objectives and understanding the audience's needs. Then, experts and instructional designers collaborated to develop informative and engaging content. Usually, this process would lead to thick, printed training manuals or content for long presentations.

Common training material examples today, like online courses or training videos, on the other hand, use modern features to make training more convenient and practical. For example, today's great training materials often incorporategamified learning, mobile-based formats, and microlearning elements.

The best training materials are engaging, accessible, and user-friendly. They should be structured to allow learners to easily grasp concepts and apply them in real-world scenarios. 

Best practices of how to create training materials   

Next, let’s learn how to develop training materials using some key practices, such as reviewing existing content and selecting the best learning formats.

1. Clearly define learning objectives

The cornerstone of effective training materials lies in clearly defined, measurable learning objectives. These objectives act as a guiding light, ensuring the content achieves its intended educational outcomes while remaining focused and relevant. 

Before diving into the employee training creation process, ask yourself: 

1. Who is your audience? 
2. What business goal does this training material support? 
3. Which skills gap needs bridging? 
4. What exactly should learners be able to do after the training? 

Answering these questions provides a solid foundation for creating training material, aligning the content with specific needs and goals. By setting these clear objectives upfront, you streamline the creation process, eliminating unnecessary content and maintaining a sharp focus on what's truly important.

2. Understand your audience

A deep understanding of your audience is essential to craft solid training materials. Recognising their specific knowledge gaps, learning styles, and preferences allows you to tailor the content to suit their needs. For example, imagine you’re developing training materials for healthcare professionals with varied levels of expertise. For beginners, your materials might include clear, interactive elements and visual aids. Intermediate learners could benefit from learning about more complex topics. Advanced users might be challenged with real-life scenario applications. 

This audience-centric approach ensures that each group receives training materials that resonate with their experience level and learning style. For example, visual aids like training videos aid beginners in grasping basic functionalities. Meanwhile, advanced interactive exercises for seasoned professionals keep the training as engaging and relevant as possible. 

3. Review existing training material

Reviewing existing content can help you learn how to make training materials fresh. Before starting new content creation, look at what existing training materials you already have, if any. Reviewing and inventorying existing training material can uncover opportunities for reuse, repurpose, or renovation, saving time and resources. This process also helpsidentify any skills gaps in training that need addressing. 

Look out for outdated content, any inaccuracies, or issues that may have surfaced in past training that you can easily update in good time.

To thoroughly assess the effectiveness of existing training materials, gather feedback on their performance. 

Ask questions like:

• How is training currently conducted?
• What employee training materials are already in place on this topic?
• Are these training resources up-to-date and error-free?
• Were previous training efforts with this material successful?
• What could be improved?

This evaluation will inform you about the type and quality of existing training resources and provide insights into whether they’re engaging and informative enough. By scrutinising your existing materials, you can build upon them to create more compelling content in a shorter time frame. 

4. Design a plan

Designing a cohesive training plan is like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. This plan acts as a roadmap, giving you a bird’s-eye view of all training activities and how each piece contributes to the overall learning experience. 

If you want to know how to design training materials, a well-devised timeline is key to an effective plan. It helps in scheduling when each piece of training will be delivered, how long development will take, and which materials need creation. Prioritise resources based on factors liketraining costs, time required, and quality level. 

And before you dive into creating training content, pause to develop a detailed outline. This helps in organising training materials efficiently, streamlining the entire process. 

A comprehensive outline is crucial as it simplifies the content creation process and organises information to serve learners best. 

For example, a sales process training online course might be structured as: 

1. Introduction
2. Sales prospecting
3. Making the first call
4. Tips for closing deals over the
5. Handing customers to the implementation team
6. FAQs
7. Further resources

Creating an outline ensures that information is presented logically, making it easier for employees to locate specific information when needed. And remember, the way you segment information in your training materials should align with what will be most useful for your employees. The goal is to create a plan that's both comprehensive and accessible.

5. Choose the right format

Selecting the most suitable format for your content is a critical step in the training material development process. It's about what you want to cover and how best to convey this information to your audience. 

Here are some examples of training materials:

• Online courses
• Knowledge base articles
• Video tutorials
• PDF guides
• Printed guidebooks
• Pamphlets

The key is matching the format with the content's nature and the audience's context. Consider where your audience will be accessing the training. 

Ask questions like:

• What tools and resources will employees have at their disposal? 
• What won't staff have access to? 
• How much time can employees dedicate to training? 

Answers to these questions can help determine whether formats like training videos, interactive exercises, or assessment strategies like quizzes are suitable. 

Different topics lend themselves to various formats. Complex processes that need visual demonstration are often best served by training videos. Simpler sequences or concepts may be effectively communicated through text and imagery.

The beauty of modern training materials, especially those delivered online, is the flexibility to combine various formats. This approach allows for a richer, more engrossing, media-supported learning experience. 

6. Create engaging employee training

Creating training materials that are engaging can significantly enhance learner retention and understanding. 

If you want to know how to make training materials more interesting, here are some tips for infusing your manuals and courses with elements that capture and hold your audience's attention: 

1. Utilise storytelling: People are naturally drawn to stories. When creating training materials, try incorporating storytelling into your content to make complex concepts more relatable and memorable. Use real-world scenarios, anecdotes, or case studies to illustrate key points. This approach makes the content more exciting and helps learners see the practical application of what they're learning. 
2. Include visuals: The power of visual aids can’t be overstated when you develop training materials. Research suggests that about 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual. Plus, visuals can improve learning by up to 400%. High-quality images, infographics, videos, and diagrams can break up text-heavy content and aid in information retention. When selecting visuals, ensure they’re relevant and add real value to the content. The inclusion of multimedia is especially beneficial in illustrating complex processes.
3. Incorporate gamified learning elements: If you’re wondering how to create interactive training programs,gamified learning elements such as quizzes, storylines, or simulations engage learners actively, rather than passively absorbing information. These components make learning more interesting, providing immediate feedback and helping to measure and reinforceknowledge retention. 

7. Simplify and structure content

Crafting and structuring training materials that are easy to consume and retain requires a strategic approach to content organisation and simplification. 

If you want to know how to prepare training material, consider the following best practices: 

1. Segment content into manageable chunks: Break down complex processes or tasks into individual sections to develop effective training materials. This segmentation helps in avoiding information overload and makes the content more digestible. 
2. Organise content logically: Organise your training materials by topic or task to make the learning process efficient and straightforward. This way, learners can skip to the sections they need, especially if they’re already familiar with certain parts of the content. 
3. Embrace microlearning: When crafting effective training materials, try to keep your content concise and focused with microlearning formats. Microlearning is highly effective as it allows learners to quickly absorb and apply information. Learners love microlearning too, with approximately 82% of students involved in a study expressing high satisfaction in completing microlearning courses. Divide the content into micro-chapters for more extensive topics, each concentrating on a single concept or point. This structure enables learners to easily navigate the material, focusing on the areas they need most. 
4. Balance creativity with clarity: While keeping content engaging with elements like anecdotes or humour (where suitable) is important, focus primarily on clarity and brevity. When delivering training materials, the goal is to provide key information in a format that’s easy for learners to understand, leading to the desired learning outcome.
5. Use an eLearning platform for consistency: Using a learning management system (LMS) likeLingio can streamline the creation process. They can help maintain formatting, image sizing, and overall design consistency. Plus, a learning management system often allows you to efficiently add and arrange text, images, and other elements for a professional look and feel.

By simplifying and structuring your training content thoughtfully, you create an environment where learners can efficiently absorb and utilise the information, making your training program effective and impactful.

8. Use collaborative tools to create training material 

Platforms like Lingio and othereLearning authoring tools transform how training content is created, shared, and improved upon. 

Let's explore why integrating these tools into your process is a wise move:

1. Facilitates digital content creation:Authoring tools are pivotal for creating digital training materials and converting them into eLearning formats like online courses, video lectures, and gamified exercises. If you want to know how to make interactive training material, these tools simplify the process of crafting engaging content, making it more accessible and user-friendly. 
2. Enhances collaboration and feedback: Collaborative platforms allow multiple contributors to work together seamlessly. With features like Lingio’s coaching portal, managers can mentor, track, and follow up with employees.
3. Improves engagement and interactivity: A powerful learning management system enables instructors to develop dynamic online courses, quizzes, and assessments, which can significantly enhance the learning experience. 
4. Saves time and resources: Using these technologies can reduce the time and effort required to create course materials. This efficiency allows you to focus more on achieving the desired learning outcomes and less on the logistical aspects of content creation. 

Incorporating collaborative tools when developing and building training materials is a strategic move towards efficiency, engagement, and effectiveness. These tools make the development process smoother while ensuring that the end product is high quality, engaging, and tailored to the needs of the learners.

9. Iterative design and feedback

Embracing an iterative design approach and incorporating feedback are important when developing training materials. This process may involve pilot testing, reviewing, and refining content. 

1. Pilot test: Conducting pilot tests with a small group of participants is a good idea. This step allows you to assess the effectiveness of the content, ensuring that it meets the training objectives and it's clear, concise, and interesting. Pilot testing helps identify and resolve issues before the training program is fully launched, saving time and resources. 
2. Engage stakeholders in the review process: Involving stakeholders in the review process is a good idea for ensuring the quality of your training materials. They can provide a fresh perspective, evaluate design elements, and pinpoint training gaps or areas needing revision. This collaborative approach ensures that the final product is well-rounded and meets the expectations of all parties involved. 
3. Gather feedback: Seek feedback from a varied group of testers across different departments or areas of expertise. This diversity brings in a wide range of perspectives, offering insights you might not have considered. Testing the content with diverse groups of people highlights issues like unclear language or information overload. 

By following an iterative design process and valuing feedback, you can build training materials that are informative and resonate with the needs and preferences of your audience. This approach leads to training material that’s continuously refined and optimised for maximum impact and effectiveness.

10. Make it accessible and inclusive

Create interactive, effective training material that’s accessible and inclusive for powerful learning for all. It's a good idea to aim for clarity by writing at a 7th to 8th-grade reading level, using language that’s easy to understand while incorporating necessary jargon where appropriate. Remember, the goal is to inform and facilitate learning, not to showcase complex vocabulary. 

It's also important to acknowledge and cater to the diverse needs of your learners. Teams may be spread across different time zones, possess varying skill sets, and have different roles. Offering flexible, self-paced, mobile-based training material allows each learner to engage with the material in a way that suits their schedule and learning style. This approach cultivates a more inclusive learning environment and boosts learner engagement and motivation. By making your training materials accessible and adaptable to a wide range of learners, you maximise the effectiveness and impact of your training program.

11. Update and maintain regularly

Developing training materials isn’t just a one-time event but an ongoing journey of refinement and improvement. Regular updates are crucial to ensure the content remains relevant, accurate, and effective. Even minor improvements can make a significant difference. 

Take time to review your materials periodically. Could a sentence be clarified? Is there a more recent screenshot that could be more illustrative? Is there a fresh resource that could be linked? 

Such updates enhance the quality of your training manual templates and material and streamline your future content development process. Getting into the habit of continuous improvement ensures that your training materials evolve with your audience’s needs and the ever-changing industry standards.

Integrating AI into your material creation process

Incorporating AI tools like Lingio into your training material creation workflow can significantly enhance the learning experience. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to doing so: 

1. Create custom, gamified courses: Use a training platform, such as Lingio’s AI Course Creation software to create structured learning paths and courses tailored to individual or group needs. Learn how to make a course using AI here.
2. Track progress: AI tools allow you to track learners' progress, providing a clear and measurable learning journey. 
3. Analyse data: Utilise the detailed reports and analytics provided by AI tools to monitor learner engagement, assessment results, and training course completion rates. A challenge here is ensuring the AI tool’s insights are accurately interpreted and applied. To overcome this, regularly review the AI-generated data and cross-reference it with direct learner feedback. 
4. Make updates: Use the insights gained from AI analysis to continuously improve your training materials. Make sure to update content based on both the AI’s suggestions and learner feedback.
   
   

Integrating AI into your material creation process allows you to create personalised, effective, and interactive training materials. The key is to regularly assess and refine your approach based on AI's rich data and insights.

Speeding up the process with AI: Introducing Lingio

When it comes toemployee training and development, efficiency and customisation are key. Enter Lingio, our innovative AI-powered tool that revolutionises the creation of training materials. The AI Course Creator enables the quick development of customised, mobile-based training courses. Let’s learn more about some of the benefits.

1. Rapid course creation and customisation: With Lingio, creating tailored training materials is as simple as uploading a current training document or using a keyword related to your topic. Whether it’s for industry-specific needs like 'cleaning materials' or general topics like ‘lemonade’', Lingio’s AI quickly generates relevant, gamified content. 
2. Mobile-based accessibility: Lingio’s courses are easily accessible on mobile devices, making learning convenient and flexible. 
3. Multilingual support: Lingio offers in-app translations to over 100 languages, breaking downlanguage barriers in diverse workforces. 
4. A scalable course delivery method: Share Lingio’s courses on a large scale efficiently with the press of a button. 
5. Enhanced learning outcomes: Up to 12X higher course completion results compared to competitors thanks to Lingio’s gamified and interactive format. 
6. Coaching portal: A coaching and tracking portal is available for tracking results and learner progress. 
7. Ready-to-use courses: Access a collection of premium, ready-to-go courses on topics like workplace wellbeing and cybersecurity. 

Lingio's collaboration with Nobina, the Nordic region’s largest public transport operator, to train 7,000 bus drivers showcases how the platform can dramatically accelerate and enhance the training material creation process. By transforming Nobina's employee handbook into interactive, gamified courses, Lingio made the training more engaging and significantly sped up employee learning. This digital approach allowed for customised, mobile-based training accessible anywhere, making it highly convenient for Nobina’s widespread workforce. 

By implementing Lingio into your training material development process, you significantly reduce the time and effort required to create powerful training materials. Its AI-driven capabilities ensure that your training can be created within a few clicks but is also tailored, engaging, and impactful.

Lingio's collaboration with Nobina, the Nordic region’s largest public transport operator, to train 7,000 bus drivers showcases how the platform can dramatically accelerate and enhance the training material creation process. By transforming Nobina's employee handbook into interactive, gamified courses, Lingio made the training more engaging and significantly sped up employee learning. This digital approach allowed for customised, mobile-based training accessible anywhere, making it highly convenient for Nobina’s widespread workforce. 

By implementing Lingio into your training material development process, you significantly reduce the time and effort required to create powerful training materials. Its AI-driven capabilities ensure that your training can be created within a few clicks but is also tailored, engaging, and impactful.

Ensuring quality and engagement

Today, the creation of training modules and materials is increasingly expedited, so maintaining high quality and engagement is paramount. AI plays a significant role in enhancing these aspects, offering tools for personalised learning experiences and content optimisation. However, implementing the human touch is always important. 

If you want to know how to create good training materials, here's how to keep your content top-notch and engaging: 

1. Design training materials with intent: When you create online training material, every part should have a purpose. Avoid cluttering with irrelevant information and focus on what adds value to the learner's experience. 
2. Use jargon carefully: If jargon is necessary, ensure it's clearly defined. Consistency in terminology helps in building a common language and understanding among learners.
3. Proofread vigorously: Small errors can significantly impact the perceived quality of your training materials. Thoroughly proofread to avoid typos or grammatical mistakes that could distract or confuse learners. 

By blending these strategies with the analytical power of AI, you can create internal and external training materials that are deeply engaging, ensuring a rewarding learning experience for all participants.

Create interactive training materials with Lingio

Creating effective training materials is a dynamic process that blends traditional best practices with the transformative potential of AI. By following content creation methods, such as clearly defining learning objectives, understanding your audience, and continually reviewing and updating content, you can ensure that your training materials are gripping while also meeting the evolving needs of learners.

Incorporating AI eLearning platforms like Lingio streamlines the training material content creation process, enabling customised, engaging, and impactful learning experiences. Request a demo of Lingio today and experience customised AI training courses for your business first-hand.

FAQs

1. How do you write effective training materials in ?

If you’re wondering how to create effective training materials, start by defining clear, measurable learning objectives and understanding your audience's needs. Focus on creating concise, engaging content that’s organised logically and includes a mix of formats like text, visuals, and gamified elements. Regular updates and incorporating feedback are also key in the writing process.

2. What are some training material examples?

Training materials come in various forms, each tailored to different learning styles and objectives. Some common training material examples include interactive e-learning training courses, engaging video tutorials, comprehensive manuals and guides, practical case studies, and hands-on workshops. Additionally, infographics and quick-reference cheat sheets provide visually appealing, concise information for quick learning.

3. What are the best types of training materials for instructor led learning?

The best materials for instructor led training include comprehensive slide presentations, detailed handouts, and interactive workbooks. These resources support the instructor's teachings and provide learners with valuable reference material. Additionally, incorporating real-life case studies and hands-on activities enhances engagement and practical understanding.

Sources:

1. Robinson, Ryan. () 3 ways leaders in the workplace can create more time for deep learning. Forbes.
2. Kosmyna, N., Lindgren, J. T., & Lécuyer, A. (). Attending to Visual Stimuli versus Performing Visual Imagery as a Control Strategy for EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces. Scientific reports, 8(1), . 
3. Henebery, B. (). Using visuals improves learning by up to 400% – study. The Educator.
4. Romanenko, Yulia & Solodovnikova, Ekaterina & Maksimenko, Nadezhda. (). Microlearning as a new method of teaching soft skills to university students. Frontiers in Education.

Ellie Swain Ellie is a full-time writer from London and has been working with Lingio since the end of . She loves contributing to a company that makes learning and development easier and more accessible for people. In her spare time, she loves travelling, watching live music, and trying new restaurants.

Table of contents

Intro

Understanding the basics of how to create training materials

Best practices of how to create training materials

Integrating AI into your material creation process

Speeding up the process with AI: Introducing Lingio

Ensuring quality and engagement

Create interactive training materials with Lingio

FAQs

Sources

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