Training is an essential part of any business and a training facilitator is the person responsible for helping employees learn and grow their skills. They plan and organize educational programs, coordinate sessions with instructors and other personnel, prepare learning materials, administer tests and assessments, as well as arrange activities including in-house or off-site locations like presentations and role-playing exercises. A good training facilitator has strong communication skills, which allow them to convey information in a way that is accessible to attendees with diverse backgrounds and learning styles. They also have the leadership skills to direct a group of people through a program together, keeping participants on track and motivated to reach the session’s objectives.

As a training facilitator, you may be called on to lead sessions that cover various topics, including teamwork, leadership and workplace safety. Because of this, you should have a clear understanding of the subject matter your training sessions cover and be able to explain it in an engaging manner that keeps participants interested and engaged. You should also be able to answer questions about the subjects you are leading and provide resources and assistance for those who need it.

Being a great training facilitator requires you to have exceptional people skills, which are crucial for communicating effectively and building a positive environment in which to learn. You need to be able to read the room and understand how individuals are reacting to the information you are presenting, which means paying attention to their body language and facial expressions. A good trainer will also be able to defuse conflicts and deal with difficult situations that arise during the training process.

During training sessions, it’s common for motivation to wane, but a good facilitator will be able to keep the energy going and make sure that every participant is engaged in the process. This might involve introducing different elements to the course, encouraging a variety of discussions and group work, acknowledging and validating everyone’s opinions, and finding ways for quieter members of the group to participate (e.g., written contributions, paired conversations, group activities where they can speak in turns).

A great training facilitator is also adept at time management, as most learning programs have a set amount of time they must be completed in. They will know how to manage their own time and that of the attendees to ensure they meet their obligations, and will be able to adjust the agenda as necessary to accommodate delays or other unexpected events.

You should be able to develop a sense of what constitutes an effective training program, which requires planning ahead and researching the subject area. Depending on the nature of your role, you might also be expected to recommend and purchase learning equipment like platforms, projectors and white boards. Finally, you will be required to collect and review reports on the quality of training from employees, managers and supervisors. This helps you identify any areas that require further training and development.