Why Using a Training Provider for Employee Training is a Strategic Choice

Outsourcing employee training has become a popular choice for companies looking to upskill or reskill their employees without adding fixed costs. In fact, studies show that 8 in 10 businesses in the US outsourced their work in 2022, with large businesses 128% more likely to do so. Outsourcing training allows organizations to take advantage of training providers’ expertise and resources to increase their capacity and create high-quality training programs that meet the specific needs of their learners.

In this blog, we will explore some of the top reasons companies outsource employee training, how to select a training provider and the benefits.

Why use a training provider?

A few top reasons companies choose to outsource training is to help streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. Outsourcing training can be more cost-effective than developing and delivering training programs in-house. Training providers offer economies of scale, resulting in lower costs per employee. Not only are there cost savings because of not having a fixed salary for a full-time employee but there are also reduced costs due to not having to supply equipment, software, and infrastructure support. By outsourcing training, companies can allocate their resources and funds toward other areas of their business.

Another reason companies outsource training is to focus on their core business and leave employee training to the experts. Outsourcing enables companies to focus on strategic initiatives to help them stay competitive in their industry. In today’s fast-paced world, organizations may struggle with keeping their internal team up to date on the latest technologies and trends. Outsourcing training can provide access to the latest training techniques and technologies. External training providers can supply trainers skilled in the latest technologies, trends, and practices in their industry. Also, hiring an expert from outside your company brings other valuable benefits such as fresh ideas and approaches that your internal team may not have considered.

Thirdly, outsourcing training can provide access to a range of training options. Training providers offer a variety of training delivery methods, including virtual or in-person training, and blended learning, or can design or develop e-learning programs to meet organizations’ specific needs. When partnering with an outsourced training provider, you get the best training options for your employees based on factors such as location, work schedule, and learning style.

How to select a training provider?

Selecting the right training provider for your organization is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on your employees’ performance and productivity. When choosing an outsourced training provider, it’s essential to consider several factors that align with your learning goals and objectives. Consider these five factors to choose the right training partner who can help you achieve measurable results and ensure the success of your training program.

1. Experience and Results: When pursuing an external training provider, look for one with a proven record of successful training programs within your industry and companies with similar sizes and complexity. To evaluate a provider’s experience, you should consider recommendations from peers, industry recognition and awards, thought leadership content, client references, and proven talent qualification standards. An outsourced training provider should be capable of effectively communicating their achievements and presenting comparable learning initiatives. They should also be able to analyze and pinpoint gaps in your learning and development initiatives and then provide recommendations or suitable approaches that meet your objectives.
2. Unique Skillsets: A training provider with an extensive network of on-demand talent can offer a full spectrum of learning solutions, including learning strategy, design, development, and delivery which eliminates the need to rely on other partners, allowing you to quickly increase your capacity to provide professional development on a variety of topics. Working with an external training provider allows you to tap into a team of professionals who focus entirely on training and understand both your industry, your company’s learning requirements, and your employees’ learning preferences.
3. Customization: Look for a training partner that can tailor your training programs to meet your company’s and employees’ specific needs and goals. There should be deep consideration of company culture, workforce demographics, and of course business goals. A customized training program can help you quickly address specific knowledge or skills gaps in your workforce, leading to better employee performance and productivity.
4. Flexibility: Outsourcing your training allows you to rapidly scale and respond to your organization’s needs by hiring one freelancer or an entire team for as long as you need them. Look for a provider that can deliver training at times and locations (if needed) that are convenient for your employees, including outside of regular working hours. This can include offering on-site training at your company location or delivering training remotely through online platforms or webinars. There is rarely one size that fits all for anything, especially employee training. A flexible training program can help you accommodate the needs of your employees and minimize disruptions to your business operations.
5. Quality and Vetting Process: When choosing an outsourced training provider, it’s essential to consider a provider with a proven quality and vetting process. Find a provider that has a meticulous method of assessing the effectiveness of their trainers and training programs and can deliver quantifiable results. This may involve performing pre-and post-training assessments, gathering feedback, and evaluating learning outcomes. A trainer provider should also have an interest in the ongoing training and development of their own trainers through coaching and reinforcement opportunities.

Deciding to outsource your training initiatives can be a strategic choice for companies looking for a cost-effective way to increase their training capacity and improve the skills and performance of their workforce. By partnering with experienced and specialized training providers, organizations can benefit from cost-effective, customized, and flexible training programs that deliver the results they desire. Outsourcing training can enable companies to focus on their core business objectives and stay competitive while leaving the training to the experts.

The importance of employee training and development cannot be overstated. By investing in their workforce, companies can improve their bottom line, foster a culture of continuous learning, and create a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Whether it’s to upskill existing employees, onboard new hires, or drive business growth, outsourcing employee training can provide a strategic solution that helps companies achieve their objectives and stay ahead.