Ten Questions To Ask a Training Provider

Selecting a training provider is often a difficult task.  While the offerings may appear similar every training provider is not the same.  Here are ten questions you should ask before engaging a technical training provider.  If you are taking bids on a training class from various providers, first ask for their answers.  Then ask for ours.  We’re certain you’ll see the value that LearnToProgram.tv provides that goes far beyond the classroom!

1. How do you qualify your instructors?
   Most training providers will have qualified instructors, however the best providers will have instructors who have industry experience as well as training/teaching experience.  An instructor with both real world and training experience will be able to provide a more thorough and real-world oriented perspective.  One major international training provider hires instructors with no computer industry experience and preps them on the classes they teach.

2. What kind of feedback have you received from previous clients?
   A good training provider takes client feedback very seriously and track instructors’ scores from class to class.

3. How do you guarantee my satisfaction?
   Is the training provider willing to come back and reteach a class that wasn’t satisfactory?  Is the training provider willing to provide a refund if the class is unsatisfactory?  If the class evaluations don’t show that the class met the agreed upon goals, what will the training provider do?  A good training provider is willing to guarantee your satisifaction with the class and materials provided.
   
   
4. How do you customize your classes to your clients needs?
   No two customers have the same needs and often an off-the-shelf curriculum will not be the most beneficial to your employees.  Will they select training materials and books based on your company’s projects and employee skill sets or do they always use the same outline and materials?  Will the instructor conference with you to develop a custom outline that hits the topic areas your employees most need to know?

5. Does the curriculum include time for the participants to work on lab exercises that illustrated the concepts taught?
   An overly aggressive course outline can cause the training to fail as the concepts demonstrated by the instructor will be immediately forgotten or confused.  Participants need time to practice and integrate concepts under the instructor’s direction.  A quality course curriculum will be participatory and include multiple opportunities for participants to practice the concepts in a laboratory exercise.

6. What prerequisites exist for the class?
   Insure that your employees maximize their learning and skill building by making sure they meet the class prerequisites.  A class that is too advanced for your employees will fail because they may not possess the skills that foundational to the material being taught.

7. What follow-up support do you give after the class is over?
   Are instructors available for follow up questions after the course is over?  Can consulting be arranged if needed on projects related to the material taught in class?  Will the training company follow up with tips, tricks and additional learning material after the class is over?

8. Do you charge for additional students in class?
   Are there other hidden charges? Many training providers charge extra fees for additional students.  While you may have to purchase additional courseware for additional students, additional students usually do not add to the training centers instructional cost and you should not be charged.

9. Is full prepayment required?
   Many training centers will require full prepayment before the course is scheduled.  While every provider will require a deposit, full payment should not be required until the class is completed and you are satisfied.

10. What’s your first priority as a training provider?
    The first priority of any training provider should be the students and their learning experience.

LearnToProgram.TV is the premier provider of technical training for programmers, web developers and eLearning developers.  With years of industry and classroom experience LearnToProgram.TV GUARANTEES the quality of your learning experience.  Contact us at mark@learntoprogram.tv.