Vital Skills: Train the Trainer

“I thought this was really useful course. Very well run and really got me thinking about how to improve training and introduce more interactive elements. I was aware of learning styles before but never created a teaching plan before or considered how useful this could be in designing training. The opportunity to create a presentation and try out new things in a safe supportive training environment was really helpful.” – Attendee 2024

Purpose of Course

This course goes through three stages: preparing training; facilitating training; and evaluating training. Please read this full event descriptor to get a full understanding of the course content and assessments. There are multiple online sessions, spreading over several weeks to allow participants to digest the information and have the opportunity to learn from others, ask questions and evolve their volunteer training programme accordingly.

This course is appropriate for:

• Those new to their training role
• Those training volunteers or staff
• Those seeking a skills refresher
• Those looking for guidance on how to improve their training content

Learning Objectives Include

• To define the concept of individual learning styles and their implications for trainers
• To develop the session planning skills required to build effective training
• To demonstrate facilitation and presentation skills in training delivery
• To solve difficult training scenarios and learning barriers
• To evaluate your training content, your, and the participants’ facilitation abilities

Time Commitment

Train the Trainer (formerly Training for Trainers) is the biggest of our seven Vital Skills for Staff modules. The course runs over three weeks, dividing independent study with one live session per week. Allowing participants time to digest the information, complete assignments and achieve a strong understanding of each element of training: preparing, facilitating and evaluating. This course has a delegate pack where participants will receive guidance, access resources and assignments, receiving live updates throughout the course.

Dates for your diary

For ease, please check you are available for all the following dates and times, as full attendance of the three classes is mandatory to gain a certificate of completion. There is independent learning to be completed each week and we recommend two hours of study time per session (minimum) to complete assignments. The schedule of the live sessions on Zoom is as follows:

• Optional – Get to Know Your Course, Monday 2nd June 2025, 12:00 – 12:30 (GMT)
• Week One: Preparing, Tuesday 3rd June 2025, 12:00 – 15:00 (GMT)
• Optional – Student Drop-In, Wednesday 4th June, 12:00 – 13:00 (GMT)
• Week Two: Facilitating, Tuesday 10th June 2025, 12:00 – 15:30 (GMT)
• Week Three: Evaluating, Tuesday 17th June, 12:00 – 15:00 (GMT)

Week One: Preparing Training

Tuesday 3rd June 2025, 12:00 – 15:00 (GMT)

All participants will learn how to prepare and design training efficiently and effectively. Key topics within week one include:

• How to be inclusive of individual learning styles
• How to create a teaching plan
• How to best prepare for facilitation

The assignment for week one is to submit a teaching plan to show your understanding of the course content.

There are two optional student drop-ins: (1) Monday 2nd June 2025, 12:00 – 12:30 and (2) Wednesday 4th June 2025, 12:00 – 13:00 for any participant who would like additional support. These are online sessions on Zoom for those who want or need time with the course coach to discuss course materials and assignments.

Week Two: Facilitating Training

Tuesday 10th June 2025, 12:00 – 15:30 (GMT)

All participants will have the opportunity to practice and experiment with their volunteer training material through the live assessment structure of week two. All participants will gain access to some examples of volunteer training as well as the Being a Befriender good practice guide to assist in your creation of volunteer training content. Key topics within week two include:

• How to set the right tone for a learning environment
• How to control your environment
• How to best utilize facilitation styles
• How to be a dynamic trainer in-person or online using Zoom to its full potential

The assignment for week two is to facilitate for 15 minutes with your peers to demonstrate your understanding of best practices in facilitation. It is your chance to put the theory into practice and demonstrate your learning. The student drop-in session is a great opportunity to run your ideas past your facilitator and access additional support.

Week Three: Evaluating Training

Tuesday 17th June 2025, 12:00 – 15:00 (GMT)

All participants will have the opportunity to gain constructive feedback from their peers, analyse and learn from others, evaluate the next steps to improve their volunteer training structure and devise a plan for the next steps. Key topics within week three include: 

• How to gather and deliver feedback
• How to review and recreate content
• How to strategically evaluate training and your development steps

The assignment for week three is to evaluate your training as well as your peer’s presentation to show your understanding of evaluation tools. 

Questions?

Not sure if this course covers what you need? Get in touch with our Learning and Development Manager, Victoria@befriending.co.uk