Train the Trainer – Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

The Train the Trainer model is recognised as an industry standard for professionals who train others in the workplace or a range of further education settings.  The skillset needed to deliver effective training interventions is complex and diverse requiring trainers to think critically, interact positively with clients and manage complex group dynamics. The learning and development landscape is constantly evolving, and trainers need to upskill and reskill to maintain their edge in competitive markets.

Our Train the Trainer (Special Purpose Award in Training and Development,6S3372) and related modules ensure that the knowledge and skills gained on our programmes conform to the most up-to-date developments in training nationally and internationally.

Our highly experienced, hands-on trainers take participants through an interactive, challenging, and motivational experience towards gaining a qualification in training and development.  Our train the trainer courses cover a wide range of topics including theoretical frameworks, best practice interventions, management of complex scenarios, and group dynamics.

We get asked a lot of questions about this course and below we have compiled the most popular questions together with answers that will help you to decide if this course is for you.

Train the Trainer ‘special purpose award 6S3372’ what does this mean?

The QQI reference is for this award is 6S3372.  This certificate is made up of two components (modules) and has a credit value of 30 credits on the national framework of qualifications (NFQ).QQI defines special purpose awards as those designed  “to meet specific,  relatively narrow-focused legislative, regulatory, economic, social or personal learning requirements” (www.qqi.ie)

The two modules that make up the special purpose award are as follows:

6N3325 – Training Needs Identification and Design (15 credits)

6N3326 – Training Delivery and Evaluation (15 Credits)

To qualify for the special purpose award (6S3372) a learner must successfully complete both modules. If the learner completes one of the modules (6N3325 or 6N3326) they will receive a QQI certificate for the completed module;  If at a later date they wish to complete a second module they will automatically receive the 6S3372 Special Purpose Certificate following successful completion of the prescribed coursework.

If I sign up for this course do I need to be working in a specific job or career area?

The Train the Trainer program is suited to individuals from a wide range of professions from private, voluntary, and public sectors. The course is aimed at any individual who wishes to encompass training in their work or for those who wish to develop a part-time or full-time career as a tutor/trainer/facilitator. The range of past clients is broad; the following is a sample selection by sector:

If you wish to explore the suitability of the programme for your specific needs please feel free to contact jim@newlinkstraining.com and he will be delighted to hear from you.

Why do I need to do two modules? Alternatively, do I need to do two modules?

There is no definitive answer to this question as the basic requirements for training roles will vary from one training provider/sector to another.  Based on our experience of working with employers and state agencies we recommend that all trainers who deliver training programmes have a basic (minimum) training qualification and in this case, we refer to the 6S3372 Special Purpose Award in Training and Development.

The two modules that make up this award cover the span of skills and technical abilities required by a professional trainer to assess training needs, develop a training programme, deliver a training programme and evaluate a training programme – all key elements of the systematic training cycle.

Qualified trainers must demonstrate to an employer that they have achieved a high standard in many key technical areas (as outlined above) in addition to displaying the ability to apply a variety of modern learning theories in their work. A professional trainer’s end goal should be to assess, design, deliver and evaluate quality training programmes within their specific subject matter range.  A sought-after trainer would also be learner-focused with proven ability to manage group process/dynamic, understand learning styles, manage and support conflict and diversity whilst ensuring that the learning objectives are met to the highest standards. The 6S3372 award ensures that all of these measures are taught and assessed within the context of the programme and contact hours with their tutor.

How many days will a Train the Trainer programme run for?

Our agreement with QQI outlines a six-day programme and is currently delivered virtually meaning that you will have 100% contact with your instructor throughout the course.

Why only one day per week?

We recommend that learners have a look at the course descriptor – in doing so you will see that programme contains a high level of technical content. In addition to the programme content aspirant, trainers are expected to engage in reflective practice to ensure that they apply a process of continuous improvement and professional development to their work. One of the main benefits of the six-day delivery schedule is that it allows you time to complete your assignments thus balancing outside pressures with the demands of your course. The week-on-week delivery of the programme allows space for reflective practice and assimilation of the information delivered on any given training day.  Based on our experience if the programme was delivered over 6 consecutive days the learner might experience information overload and would have little opportunity to process the information and/or apply or to their work situation.

Will I need to complete assessments?

In addition to class contact hours, you will be expected to complete assignments outside of class – you may submit draft assessment work and you will receive feedback which further increases interaction with your instructor.  This not only enhances their opportunities in terms of successful completion of the programme it also enables the learners to fine-tune their technical skills.  There is also a practical skills assessment which is incorporated within the time-frame set for the programme. Remember that your Train the Trainer programme is aimed at preparing you for real-world delivery.

Are there any special subject areas that New Links Training Solutions course covers that will help me to secure training work once the course is finished?

We pride ourselves on knowing that the course we offer is most up-to-date in all the learning areas being taught. In particular, we have updated our focus on ensuring that our learners can develop high-quality fit for purpose training programmes based on best practice requirements as outlined in specific sectors and public organisations such as QQI, Further Education Support Services (FESS), and ETBs.   We provide an online resource through our Moodle LMS where learners can source a wide variety of learning supports, templates, and course materials.

Prices seem to vary – what is the reason for this?

The main difference in the pricing of a programme (assuming that we are considering like for like programmes leading to a QQI Award) is the number of delivery days and the contact hours with your trainer.  The second factor that will affect pricing is whether a provider is offering one module or two modules in the delivery schedule. As stated above the Special Purpose Award is made up of two component modules and sometimes these are delivered separately. We have always delivered the full special purpose award in Training and Development 6S3372 as a single unit thereby the learner completes the full programme in one six-day period.  Course offerings and pricing structures will vary from one provider to another therefore is recommended that you check in with your selected provider to ensure that you are choosing a course that suits your career plans. 

I have one module completed, is it possible to complete a single module with New Links Training Solutions?

We can certainly facilitate this request but we prefer to deal with these type of queries individually to ensure that the eligibility criteria have been satisfied. We will likely request a copy of the completed certificate or evidence of completion if you haven’t received your certificate yet. We will also look at the length of time (attendance) to ensure that the contact hours completed satisfy our QQI validation criteria. Please contact us through our website at www.newlinkstraining.com for further information.

 Do you have customised options for company employees?

Organisations may choose customised training as their preference. This may take the form of a face to face workshops, virtual learning or blended learning, or a combination of all three.  Your choice may depend on workflows, rostering, the ability of employees, or the type of training required. Choosing a ‘best fit’ delivery mode is vital to ensure that your staff and employees can participate fully in the training provided.  Our expert advisors are on hand to help you to choose the very best fit for you and your business.  Non-accredited training programmes are shorter with less prescribed content and are highly suited to customisation.  We can provide customised attendance certificates so that you can maintain your internal L&D records

You can review customer testimonials here

You can review case studies here

We offer Train the Trainer courses Nationwide – courses can be delivered online/virtual, internally at the New Links Centre or externally depending on the facilities available/required. 

Contact: jim@newlinkstraining.com if you have any questions that haven’t been answered in this blog.

Janet Tumulty – July 2021