Human Resources

Learning Needs Analysis and Training Design

Training budgets are wasted when programmes do not address real performance needs. This course shows HR and learning professionals how to conduct learning needs analysis at organisational, team and individual levels, distinguish training from non-training solutions, set learning objectives and design effective training programmes.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

The best training starts with a clear performance problem. You will learn to diagnose needs accurately and design solutions that work.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Needs analysis exercises, interview and survey practice, objective writing and programme design workshops.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the learning needs analysis process
Gather data at organisational, team and individual levels
Distinguish training needs from other performance issues
Prioritise learning needs
Write measurable learning objectives
Design effective training programmes

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Learning and development professionals
HR managers
Training coordinators
Line managers responsible for development
Instructional designers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Needs analysis
Data gathering
Objective writing
Programme design
Prioritisation

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Why Needs Analysis

09:00–10:08Performance gaps
10:08–11:00Levels of analysis
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Levels of analysis (continued)
11:45–12:53Common mistakes
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Gathering Data

09:00–10:08Interviews and focus groups
10:08–11:00Surveys
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Surveys (continued)
11:45–12:53Performance data
12:53–14:00Practice

Day 3Analysing Needs

09:00–10:08Training versus non-training solutions
10:08–11:00Prioritisation
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Prioritisation (continued)
11:45–12:53Reporting findings
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 4Learning Objectives

09:00–10:08Writing measurable objectives
10:08–11:00Levels of learning
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Levels of learning (continued)
11:45–12:53Assessment alignment
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 5Programme Design

09:00–10:08Blended learning
10:08–11:00Sequencing
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Sequencing (continued)
11:45–12:53Evaluation planning
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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