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L&D

What is a Training Facilitator?

Today, learning and development (L&D) is a $350 billion industry with talented consultants, executive coaches, content designers, and, most importantly, training facilitators.

Training facilitators play a crucial role in helping organizations upskill employees. They are the thinkers, makers, and managers that bring training programs to life. 

Learn more about the training facilitator role and the relevant skills and qualifications to look for when hiring one. 

What is the role of a training facilitator?

Training facilitators play a crucial role in the success of any training program. Their job is to ensure learning content is compelling and meets the organization’s needs.

Some things training facilitators do include:

  • Design and deliver training programs
  • Work with subject matter experts to create materials
  • Assess training program effectiveness
  • Provide ongoing support for learners 

Training facilitators help organizations upskill their employees and ensure they have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What’s the difference between a trainer and a facilitator?

Trainers and facilitators lead L&D activities but have some key differences.

trainer vs facilitatorTwo significant differences are:

  • Training. Trainers transfer knowledge and skills to learners. They deliver lectures and present information. Facilitators create an effective learning environment for learners to discover and build on their existing skills. 
  • Expertise. Trainers must deeply understand the subject matter they teach. On the other hand, facilitators may not necessarily be experts in the subject matter but are experienced in creating inclusive learning environments.

What makes a good training facilitator?

Skills

Excellent communication

Training facilitators must communicate complex concepts and ideas. They also should know how to adapt to different communication and learning styles and engage with them in a friendly, direct way.

Strong organizational and time management skills

Facilitators plan and organize training sessions, ensure all materials are available, and that training runs smoothly. They should also manage their time effectively, keeping the training on track.

Flexibility and adaptability

A training facilitator must adapt to learners’ changing needs and circumstances to ensure practical training. They may change the training content, alter the format, or adjust how they teach.

Interpersonal skills

Facilitators should build rapport and positive relationships with learners. They should also know how to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

Relevant education or certification

Ideally, a training facilitator should have a degree in education, instructional design, or a related field that provides a strong foundation in learning and development. 

Some organizations require facilitators to have a mix of the following certifications:

Read more: How to Create a Facilitator’s Guide

Experience in training and facilitation

Facilitators should have practical experience designing and delivering training programs and leading group discussions. Job experience in human resources management, organizational psychology, or education are helpful additions to a training facilitator’s resume. 

They should also have hands-on experience using a Learning Management System (LMS).

Strong subject matter expertise

Even though a training facilitator may be someone other than a subject matter expert, they should know about adult learning. It’s also essential that they can work with subject matter experts to develop relevant, accurate training materials.

Responsibilities

Developing training materials and curriculum

Training facilitators identify a program’s goals, learning paths, and corporate objectives. They also work closely with trainers to design and create relevant training materials. 

Say you were building a customer service training program for your company. Your training facilitator may: 

  • Interview employees and managers to assess training needs
  • Develop a training curriculum
  • Source expert customer service reps or managers to develop materials
  • Produce a mix of materials and exercises to build the learning experience
  • Launch the program for employees 
  • Calculate and report training costs to stakeholders
  • Gather feedback from learners, instructors, and managers

A training facilitator will also research and recommend learning equipment, like an LMS, to deliver programs most effectively. 

Delivering training sessions

Facilitators lead training sessions, whether in-person or online. They use lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities to ensure everyone is engaged. 

For example, a trainer might guide a group through various activities to promote collaboration during a team-building workshop. They may use role-playing or simulations to accomplish the workshop’s goal.

Read more: eLearning Content: 24 Types to Include in Training

Assessing training effectiveness

During training, a facilitator monitors learners’ progress and assesses the program’s effectiveness. They may use quizzes and assessments to evaluate whether the activity meets the organization’s needs.

Trainers can use WorkRamp to track learners’ quiz results. For example, they could see how many people passed the quiz, how many scored at different levels, and how long it took. Then use that data to improve the course material. 

Providing ongoing support

The training facilitator helps learners even after the program. For example, if learners need additional support, the facilitator can create a resource library that people can access after completing training. 

The library may have handouts from a previous workshop, templates, and checklists learners can use to execute projects. In addition, the facilitators themselves may answer questions and provide support as needed. 

Why training facilitators are essential for businesses

Working with training facilitators may require time and effort, but it’s worth the investment. They empower your employees to reach their maximum potential and allow your organization to thrive. 

Some key benefits include the following: 

  • Keeps companies competitive. Today, 78 percent of leaders say closing the skills gap is crucial to long-term growth. Training facilitators ensure employees acquire the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles, helping them stay up-to-date on trends and keeping your company ahead of the competition. 
  • Prevents employee turnover. The average employee turnover rate is 11 percent. Training facilitators provide ongoing learning opportunities for employees and create a supportive work environment. Most (94 percent) of employees surveyed said they’d stay at a company longer if it invested in their careers.
  • Maintain program integrity. Facilitators guarantee your learning and development programs are top-notch. They ensure programs are effective and meet your organization’s needs. Plus, they provide resources for participants to continue learning even after a program ends. 
  • Create a collaborative learning environment. A training facilitator’s role involves more than just transferring knowledge. They foster employee collaboration and teamwork, which supports your organization’s learning culture.

By investing in training facilitators, organizations can help employees stay ahead of the curve and remain productive and successful.

WorkRamp provides everything a training facilitator needs

Training facilitators help organizations upskill employees and help them excel in their roles. But they need the right tools to do it. 

WorkRamp is an All-in-One Learning Platform for training employees, partners, and customers. With WorkRamp, facilitators can provide interactive learning experiences and integrations that make learning programs run smarter.

Learn more about how WorkRamp can help you deliver exciting, effective L&D programs for your employees. Contact us to schedule a free, personalized demo. 

 

Complete the form for a custom demo.



Michael Keenan

WorkRamp Contributor

Michael is a SaaS marketer living in Guadalajara, Mexico. Through storytelling and data-driven content, his focus is providing valuable insight and advice on issues that prospects and customers care most about. He’s inspired by learning people’s stories, climbing mountains, and traveling with his partner and Xoloitzcuintles.

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