Seeking Advice on Valuable Train-the-Trainer Courses: National or International Options?

Dear All,

I am planning to shift to T&D and looking for a reputed and accredited national or international course in TTT. Please share your opinions on which course is actually valuable.

Regards,
Abhilash Nair
HRD Professional

Dear Abhilash,

There are a whole lot of companies that provide certification courses on TTT. Nevertheless, if you look at the market, there is no evidence to prove that the persons who have done certification courses from a specific institute are able to provide more ROI to their client or company. I have come across hundreds of HR or Training Managers. No manager ventured into the measurement of training effectiveness. Therefore, whatever certification they possess, all are birds of a feather.

Once a lady from an MNC bragged about having organized 3,500 training programs in the last five years. She had done TTT from a training company, which is also an MNC. However, she did not measure the effectiveness of a single training program in the last five years! There was no research as to why training efforts succeed or fail.

Many times I have observed that training professionals working in a company are too busy uploading details on the Learning Management System (LMS). They feel that doing clerical work itself is their achievement. None of the training companies worth their salt has done any research and come up with some unique tool or technique. After being years in business, they should have rolled out case study after case study on how they could provide value to their end customers. But then where is the evidence?

Most of the training companies organize their TTT in a trainer-centric way. The focus is more on teaching presentation skills, body language, how to engage the audience, and so on. By dint of their craftiness, a few trainers are masters at getting "Excellent" feedback from each participant. But then beyond that, they do not take any accountability.

I may sound a bit negative, but then this is what the market condition is. Therefore, whatever course you do is fine. The MNC that provides TTT certification courses has created their brand image in such a way that sometimes clients ask the trainer to be certified from that MNC. This is a classic case of a hollow product but good branding!

Lastly, do you work or did you work in the Lodha group?

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar

Dear Mr. Divekar,

Thank you for your input. I am currently managing HR for a region for KFC, and I believe that learning is essential for growth. However, the unfortunate reality in India is that today, one's knowledge often needs to be supported by a formal qualification.

What is your opinion on ISTD's DIP TD?

I am glad you replied!

Regards,
Abhilash Nair

Dear Abhilash,

ISTD's Diploma is about a generation behind. Until two years ago, they had not revised their syllabus. I do not know their current position. However, it is a government-certifying body, and their fee is the lowest. Yes, it will add value to your CV.

Why consider a shift to training?

By the way, if you are a Regional HR Manager, especially of an MNC, why do you wish to get into training? Ultimately, what matters is the ability to bring about positive change through HR intervention, whether through employee training or other means.

Therefore, my humble request is for you to reevaluate your decision. Your next destination is supposed to be GM (HR). If you shift to training, will you in the future receive total emoluments equivalent to this position? Typically, not all training managers are paid on par with HR Managers. Additionally, being in HR offers more job opportunities compared to training. Training roles are generally fewer than those in HR. I would not have raised this point if you had spent your career in training. However, a mid-career change should not lead your career in the opposite direction. Hence, think carefully before acting.

In the meantime, I conduct training programs in the field of supply chain, business strategy, soft skills, etc. Would you be interested in collaborating with your company?

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar