Training and assessing

A background to training and learning 1

Role of a workplace trainer To assist supported employees learn the skills and knowledge to do their work 2

Role of the workplace trainer in Disability Employment Services Provides support to employees to help the service meet: strategic business objectives the 12 Disability Services Standards 3

Skills and abilities of workplace trainers Respect for the learner Good communication skills Subject knowledge 4

It also helps to have the ability to… provide clear instructions break larger tasks into smaller components demonstrate tasks clearly 5

It is essential to… … understand the impact some disabilities can have on the supported employee’s capacity to retain skills and knowledge 6

What is workplace training about? It is about ensuring employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to complete their work safely and to the required standard 7

Are learning preferences important? It helps to have some understanding about supported employees’ learning preferences 8

How will supported employees learn best? They will want to: know why they are being trained see the link between the training and the successful completion of their work have input into what they are going to learn 9

How will supported employees learn best? They will want to: control the speed at which the new training is provided see how the training fits with and builds on their existing skills and knowledge know that the training is relevant to the work they are doing 10

Learning styles Active or reflective Visual or verbal Varying amounts of information 11

Barriers to learning Attitude Workplace-related Ability to concentrate Poor language skills Pain or discomfort Work pressure Previous experience with training Practical 12

Is training always the answer? Look at the whole picture before deciding 13

What is competency? Skill, knowledge, ability or behaviour that is associated with performance 14

What is competency-based training? Provides supported employees with the skills and knowledge to be able to perform their work competently, to the standard expected by the service 15

Is training usually a ‘one-off’ event or is it continuous? 16

Training and business goals Training in any organisation needs to lead to a change in outcomes – to assist the organisation meet its goals 17

Identifying supported employees’ training needs 18

Why identify training needs? To meet: production targets audit requirements legislation career and personal goals 19

Signals that training may be required Quality decreasing Production targets not being met Increasing mistakes Complaints from customers or staff Conflict between employees Workplace injuries 20

Employability skills Initiative Communication Teamwork Technology Problem-solving Self-management Planning Learning 21

Identifying training needs Gather information from a variety of sources Workplace, eg change in work processes Personal, eg change in medication 22

Supervisor’s role Observation Consultation 23

Training needs and future work Organisational reasons, eg new work Individual reasons, eg developmental responsibility 24

Training plans Use to track progress toward satisfying an identified skill, knowledge or behaviour gap 25

Designing training 26

You do not need to be an expert to design good training 27

Five steps to design training 1.Analyse 2.Break into smaller components 3.Identify skills, knowledge and behaviours in each component 4.Work out the sequence for training 5.Choose how to apply the sequence 28

Training location Choose the venue to suit the learning needs 29

Design and delivery Training design is the first part of the preparation for training delivery 30

Training design hints Make training: relevant appropriate tailored to individual learning preferences 31

Chaining Completing tasks in the right order Design and delivery training technique used to learn a sequence or chain of behaviours 32

Participation needs Be aware of: behaviours literacy levels numeracy levels effects of medication 33

Delivering training 34

Training delivery methods Discussions Demonstrations Excursions Games Lectures/talks Role plays 35

Delivering demonstrations 36

Feedback Feedback should be: monitored timely specific regular 37

What are training tools? Physical objects that help a supported employee learn new skills Use a variety If it stimulates learning, use it 38

Electronic training tools Be sure they are a benefit Learn to operate them Check they are in working order Have alternatives ready 39

Training and challenging behaviour Schedule training for times when supported employees are receptive or ready to learn 40

Train individuals or groups? Consider each training opportunity on its merits then decide if it will be: one-on-one pairs small groups larger groups 41

One or more trainers? Consider: added interest and value clear objectives 42

Cultural background and training delivery Cultural background can affect training, eg language differences Awareness is required 43

Assessment, evaluation and reporting 44

What is assessment? Assessment measures if supported employees have the skills or knowledge required to perform their work 45

Assessing competency Ensure supported employees can perform a task: safely to the standard required to meet legislative requirements 46

When to assess Assessment should be continuous and placed in normal day-to-day activities if possible 47

Recording assessment Use an assessment record Meet organisational requirements 48

Assessment methods Make assessment methods fit with normal workflow as much as possible Performance at the worksite should be the primary source of evidence 49

Number of assessors Depends on the: individual workplace tasks being assessed 50

Are assessments like exams? Assessments should not be exams Make assessments: part of the daily routine completed in comfortable and realistic workplace settings 51

Why evaluate training? To ensure that training returns value to the business 52

What does evaluation of training involve? Training is evaluated from the: participant’s perspective trainer’s perspective 53

Recording training and assessment outcomes Records are needed to meet: organisational requirements workplace health and safety the 12 Standards work ethics and behaviour 54