Re: Training policy advice and website resources

["Hauglie, Joe" <jhauglie -at- ti -dot- com>]

Michelle Deeprose asked:

1. What sort of things should be included in this [training policy] document
?  
Since the document should contain the "best practices and procedures," I
would recommend that you work with a representative team from the group to
generate the list. In other words, have them be your SMEs. 
With my background in training, though, I have seen that these operating
docs often contain the following sections (as well as others):
 - registration procedures (for on- and off-site personnel, instructors,
and/or classes)
 - training records maintenance (useful for ISO audits)
 - training development plans (per group, team, work area, or individuals)
 - procedures for new class development (in large organizations)
 - materials procurement 
 - cost procedures (how are costs determined and where are they charged out
to)

In a nutshell, think: if the entire department disappeared next week and a
new group of people walked in, could you provide them a comprehensive manual
that would help them to get things rolling quickly? Lots of "what and how,"
and a good sampling of "who and when."
 
2. Anyone got links to appropriate policy templates ?
3. Anyone got links to web resources like TechWhirl but for training ?

Someone else has already suggested ASTD; there also was at one time a
discussion group like this one called TRDEV-L. The list went defunct a few
years back because they couldn't find a server to host them, I think, among
other things, but the archives are probably out there on USENET (try looking
on Google, too). 

A third suggestion for you is to do some benchmarking with other training
depts - either internally (if there are any which are good!) or externally;
first look locally, then try the big names in your line of business (judging
from your company name, try Federal Express, UPS and Airborne Express). In
my experience making these kind of requests, many organizations are happy to
share big-picture data with you.

Good luck.

Joe Hauglie
Technical Editor, Texas Instruments - Tucson
jhauglie -at- ti -dot- com