Parts of a Training Proposal Produced by Dr. James J. Kirk Professor of HRD Western Carolina University

Some Things You Will Learn The definition of a training proposal The purpose of a training proposal The parts of a generic training proposal What should be included in the various parts of a training proposal How to present a training proposal

THE TRAINING PROPOSAL The training proposal represents a call to action on the part of key decision-makers.

PURPOSE OF THE TRAINING PROPOSAL To persuade decision-makers that your solution to a performance gap is the best solution and therefore deserves being funded.

THE MANY PARTS OF A TRAINING PROPOSAL Training proposals come in different formats There are 18 elements common to a majority of training proposals

TITLE PAGE Contains a name or title for the proposal which gives readers an idea of its contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS Provides readers an easy and quick reference to the various sections of the proposal

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A brief 150 to 200 word summary (i.e., abstract) of the contents of the proposal

BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM What major events led up to the training proposal? Who identified the problem? Who proposed a needs assessment? Who performed the needs assessment?

ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM What is the performance problem? Why the proposed training is needed? How does the proposed training satisfy a training need and solves a performance problem?

TARGET POPULATION Who needs and will receive the proposed training?

RATIONALE AND GOALS FOR THE PROPOSED TRAINING The purpose for the training Goals of the proposed training The general benefits that will be derived from the proposed training

LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND TOPICS What are the main topics of the proposed training? What are the specific learning objectives associated with each of the training topics?

EVALUATION STRATEGIES How will everyone know that the training was successful?

OVERVIEW OF THE TRAINING SOLUTION What types of learning activities are proposed? Who will do the training? When and where will the training occur?

PROGRAM OUTLINE A simple topical outline of the proposed training sessions

TRAINING RESOURCES REQUIRED What materials, software, hardware, facilities, and personnel will be needed for the training? How much is the training going to cost?

CAPABILITIES OF THE TRAINING PROVIDERS Who are the trainers? Are the trainers qualified to do the proposed training? How do we know that the trainers are qualified?

DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE Detailed time schedule stating when the training will be developed and field tested.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE Specific time schedule stating when each learning activity will actually happen.

COSTS A detailed breakdown of the costs.

PROJECTED BENEFITS What will things be like after the training? What will the company be getting for its money? How will the training pay for itself?

APPENDIX Supporting materials Needs assessment data Project cost-benefit analysis data Trainer credentials Sample training exercises

WHEN PRESENTING THE PROPOSAL Know your organization (culture, finances, business plan, performance goals, performance gaps) Know your audience (values, hot buttons, favorite words and causes) Know your competition (the solutions that will be competing with your solutions)

SOME THINGS YOU HAVE LEARNED The definition of a training proposal The purpose of a training proposal The parts of a generic training proposal What should be included in the various parts of a training proposal How to present a training proposal