27/08/2024
To have a dedicated in-house Training and Development department is a luxury that not every organization can afford. It does have its pros and cons. Where it provides easy to organize trainings it does have its limitations. Who would know better about this subject than someone who designed and managed an in-house T&D department for several years. That would be me.
So let’s explore bit more, despite limitations and challenges faced how beneficial is it to have a dedicated in-house T&D Department?
Well for starters as the trainers are from within the organization, they would know about the training needs better than an out-side trainers. Furthermore, they would have in depth knowledge of trainee`s current skill levels, their likes and dislikes and their interest in training topics.
An in-house T&D department has constant liaison with other departments such as HR and performance department so they are aware of organizational goals and objectives.
Depending on the size of the organization, the in-house T&D department would be able to repeat any trainings in batches at a fraction of the cost. In house department also has a continuous record of all trainings given and has record of which individual has attend how many and which trainings, this valuable data is often linked with promotions and also when awarding rewards based on certain achievements.
In companies which require various technical trainings and certifications, In -House T&D department also keeps records of successful certifications awarded and their renewals, if needed.
One might point out the fact that in-house T&D department ability to provide trainings will be limited to the trainers present in the organization and their knowledge and past experiences, especially in newly developed organizations which may not have experienced staff . Another limitation one can talk about is that most in- house trainers would have similar kind and similar level of knowledge and experience; hence broader vision would be missing.
The cost of keeping in-house T&D department can only be justified if large number of trainings are required at various different levels at a high frequency.
But, all an all, the advantages outweigh any limitations and challenges and can easily be overcome by carefully planning.
