Training Needs Analysis - Identifying Skill Requirements

An explanation of training needs analysis (TNA) and a summary of Derek Stockley’s TNA experience. Training Needs Analysis is an important part of the training system. It is an important skill for any training consultant. It is an often neglected part of the training process.

Training Needs Analysis explained

Training needs analysis is the first critical stage in the training cycle. The others are design, presentation and evaluation. The cycle is continuous. The evaluation step includes a re-assessment of training needs.

There are many aspects to training needs analysis, but the essential activity involves:

determining what is required to complete the work activity;

determining the existing skill levels of the staff completing the work:

determining the training gap (if any).

The training gap is the difference between required and existing skill levels. The word "skill" is generic in this case - it includes the knowledge, skills, attitude and aptitude required to undertake the activity efficiently and effectively. A common term also used is competency, a key concept used in the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system.

A comprehensive training needs analysis is important for the training design process, see: Setting training and learning at the right level. Unfortunately, it is often neglected.

Training needs can be identified during the Performance Management process.

Training needs analysis assignments and experience

Derek Stockley has been identifying training needs for many years.

It is an important part of every training assignment. He has also completed formal projects for a variety of organisations. The largest involved co-ordinating a TNA for 6500 employees.

Derek has also completed a range of TNA related activities, including skills audits and competency standard development.

TNA assistance and consulting

If you are interested in having Derek assist with a training needs analysis, or organising a TNA training program or telephone or write to Derek Stockley at Contact Details

Training Needs Analysis is one aspect of the human resources consulting service provided, see: Human Resources Services.

TNA is also an important subject area in the Train the Trainer (Training Development) courses Derek conducts.

Derek Stockley provides a wide range of training courses, see: Training Courses and Services.

For a more general information about train needs analysis, see:

"Mission impossible" - a light-hearted look at planning training, and

Human resource issues need attention - a formal look at identifying and meeting needs within a performance framework.

Setting training and learning at the right level - more information about TNA and related issues.

Further information related specifically to training can be found at: Links - Training and Training (Human Resources Development) Links