Business and industry articles

How Customized Training Works

Today's dynamic business environment requires that companies and organizations work harder than ever to identify where improvement is possible. It may be wise for your company to consider training designed around your unique and specific requirements. Here, In the Know dispels myths about employee training and answers frequently asked questions that may be on your mind.

Why customized training?
Customized employee training is often the remedy to issues of productivity, competitiveness, workplace collaboration and communication or new technology application. It can because it can be specifically tailored to your industry, your business and your employees; offers limitless curriculum and format possibilities; and can be implemented at the time, pace and place of your choosing. Your organization's products, equipment, language and systems for doing business can all be incorporated, making the learning experience highly relevant to your employees.

How does the process work?
The need for training within a company sometimes is a matter of survival. But in many cases, the need for training is more subtle. Before every customized training engagement, a customized training expert will spend time with you to learn about your needs - or the problems you want to solve. Assessments can vary widely in scope, from an interview with managers to a review of the knowledge and skills of each employee. Your organization's customized training curriculum is developed from this assessment.

Training can be delivered at your location, on a campus or online.

How long does it take to develop customized training?
You might be surprised to learn how quickly a customized training program can come together. New curriculum can be created and delivered rapidly, sometimes within days, and in most cases within less than a month.

What sort of budget do I need?
Many organizations assume that customized training comes with a hefty price. However, plenty of options are available that can make customized training financially viable for your business.

Pricing is usually calculated on a per hour basis or as a lump sum cost for the entire training, which includes the cost of development and customization. The variables are supplies, textbooks or special equipment needs.

Your organization may be eligible for a state grant. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development manages a competitive grant program that awards funds to some employers who commit to work with educational institutions on new employee training to upgrade the skills and abilities of their workforce.

How does a typical customized training contract work?
After you have agreed on a training solution to address your specific needs, a formal training contract is developed. Your company will need to agree to the terms and conditions, such as training location, number of students, training dates and cost. Short-term customized training contracts bill after the training has been completed. Long-term or large-scale contracts typically send invoices monthly or quarterly until the training is complete.

Training has become a strategic imperative for employers. With your organization facing new demands - the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities can help your company identify and make specific improvements that can't be found in a training catalog, to keep you out front.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System is the state's leader in providing customized training to employees. In fact, the system has provided industry-specific, customized training to more than 6,000 Minnesota employers each year. Across 46 Minnesota communities and 53 campuses you'll find diverse expertise to help solve your unique training needs.