What Is Train The Trainer Training?

You must have hear about Train The Trainer Training or Trainer Training workshop. Quite a confusing name for a workshop designed to clear the concepts of aspiring trainers! That is why it is commonly called TTT.

TTT is a skill building workshop to coach upcoming trainers on the principles of adult learning. Even though we have all witnessed teachers and professors all our lives, the ball game changes the minute we step foot in a corporate. Not only is everyone here an adult (unlike our school), they are also much senior to us. And hence teaching them needs special skills.

Why Do Companies Conduct TTT

TTT workshops have threefold benefits which make them a win-win-win situation for employees, trainers and the company. First of all, the company after converting some of it's subject matter experts to trainers, gets free manpower to coach the remaining employees. This is especially beneficial in times of large technical roll outs.

Secondly, the employees learn better from a trainer who knows the company inside out, speaks their language and is also a subject matter expert.

Lastly and most importantly, the employees selected to train are directly designated as an expert on the subject. They also get skill enhancement and advanced training on presentations and facilitation for free. In fact, many companies also have monetary incentives for internal trainers.

So in short, if you get an opportunity to train in you company, don't leave it. Apart from in-company TTT workshops, open sessions are also conducted by HR consulting firms where individuals can enroll and get certified as a trainer.

What Will I Learn In A TTT

Most of the TTT workshops are designed to be completed between 3-5 days. The training comprises of theoretical knowledge on teaching of adults and a large part of the training is conducted as practice sessions for the novice trainers. These sessions are essential for skill building so the trainers can start conducting independent sessions immediately after the workshop.

TTT includes the following topics:

1. Principles of adult learning – How adults learn and training methodology to suit them.
2. Basic Facilitation skills – How not to teach but assist in learning.
3. Making training active – Different types of activities and how to use those for trainings like Team Building etc.
4. Presentation Skills training – Preparing and using a presentation effectively.
5. Handling difficult participants – Resolving conflicts
6. Use training aids – Using equipments in the training room.
7. Training management – Administrative aspects of Training.

If you are an aspiring trainer or if you are required to conduct trainings as a part of your job, attend a Train The Trainer Training. There may be many trainers who have survived without this workshop, but attending it will shorten your learning curve in the profession of training.