Qualifications of Trainers
Throughout the training metrics survey, respondents were questioned regarding the current qualifications of trainers within their organizations. The information collected regarding the internal training function among the respondents is presented below.
- The majority of organizations require their trainers to have technical expertise in the trade(s) they are teaching (66.7% for internal trainers; 100.0% for external trainers), followed by training/adult education experience (33.3% for internal trainers; 66.7% for external trainers).
One respondent indicated that trainers for solar hot water installers must be certified as trainers by the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA).
Of the organizations that do require their trainers to possess adult education certification or credentials, one respondent indicated that a certificate, which another indicated that a diploma was required for internal trainers within their organizations. One respondent indicated that a certificate in adult education was required for external trainers.
- The main role played by external trainers (100.0%) is classroom trainer; 66.7% of respondents indicated that the main roles of internal trainers are: on-the-job coach; training program evaluator; field assessor/student evaluator; and training designer.
Among organizations in which trainers are involved in the training design, the majority of both internal trainers (66.7%) and external trainers (66.7%) are involved in the design of classroom-based training. This was followed by the design of online training (33.3% of internal trainers; 33.3% of external trainers).
- None of the organizations surveyed have professional development requirements for their trainers.
- None of the organizations surveyed offer an in-house train-the-trainer program.
- A majority of surveyed organizations (66.7%) believe that Occupational Standards for Trainers would be beneficial.