Harmonization of Training Content and Trainer Qualification: Developing Train-the-Trainer Workshop for Continental Corporation

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to optimize trainer education by elaborating a “Train the Trainer” Workshop that will help to produce a cadre of qualified internal trainers in the organization. Further basic concepts were considered in the theoretical chapter of this thesis in order to assure fundamental foundation for the empirical part: organizational Training, the Scope of Training, Development, Learning and Learning principles, Training Process, Train-the-Trainer. As the theoretical frame competency based approach to trainer education was chosen. Remarkably, findings from both private and public sector research, especially on such central topic as “Training Process”, were examined, critically analyzed and incorporated into our “Train the Trainer” Workshop. In the empirical part the concept and content of “Train the Trainer” Workshop developed by the author of this paper is presented. This Workshop could be itself considered as the main empirical finding within the limits of this thesis. The second most critical empirical finding is that building the structure of our Workshop based on Training Process steps model helps to bring in clear logical structure, which is one of the crucial learning principles. There is also another effect: being taught the Training Process based on their company’s specific model, future trainers are automatically inspired to be consistent with internal requirements for the Training Process established in the organization. The third finding is that we discovered the ways to incorporate competency based approach in our Workshop (in detail discussed in the paragraph “The main findings”). We suggest that all of these findings could be applicable not only to the “Train the Trainer” Workshop for Continental, but also to other organizations, namely all kinds of organizations (private, public, NGOs etc.). In the final part of our thesis next steps for the “Train the Trainer” Workshop and their meaning for the organization as well as directions for further research are suggested.