When it comes to facilitating a train the trainer programme, experience matters and no one knows this better than Linda Greenwood, a senior trainer who has been part of our Approved Network of Trainers for years. Linda has worked alongside us to deliver transformative learning experiences, and her insights can be a valuable guide for anyone looking to train others in the art of training.

With years of experience in the field, Linda has become a trusted expert in shaping confident, skilled trainers through our Certificate in Delivering Training and Professional Certificate in Training Design & Delivery. We sat down with Linda to gather her insights on what makes a successful train the trainer session. Here’s what she had to say.

What key qualities do you believe are essential for trainers who facilitate train the trainer programmes?

Effective trainers need a mix of personal and professional qualities to truly succeed in train the trainer programmes. Key qualities include:

• Communication skills: The ability to explain training concepts clearly, listen actively, and provide constructive feedback in a supportive manner is crucial. Asking thoughtful questions and managing responses helps engage participants and deepens learning.
• Empathy and patience: Recognising that participants have diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience means trainers must be supportive and patient to help build confidence.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Trainers must be ready to adjust their methods to meet the needs of the group and respond to challenges as they arise.
• Confidence and leadership: Trainers should lead by example, modelling the behaviours and attitudes they are teaching.
• Sense of humour: A little humour can make training fun and engaging, which enhances the overall learning experience.
• Expertise in training design and delivery: Trainers should be skilled in crafting effective, memorable learning experiences, ensuring the content is inclusive and accessible.
• Organisational skills: Planning and preparation are essential to delivering structured and effective training.

How do you structure your sessions to ensure that new trainers feel confident and well-prepared to lead their own training?

I start by defining clear, measurable learning objectives. These objectives guide the session and give both the trainer and the participants a clear sense of direction. It’s essential that the trainer and participants understand what they are expected to achieve by the end of the programme.

I also focus on providing interactive learning opportunities. Participants should practice their skills in a safe and supportive environment, including delivering training sessions to their peers. This allows them to apply what they’ve learned in real time and receive valuable feedback. I prefer the feedback model of ‘what went well’ and ‘could be even better if… to encourage self-reflection and growth.

Can you share a successful strategy you use to engage participants in train the trainer programmes?

One of the most successful strategies I use is having participants design and deliver a short training session to their peers. This allows them to demonstrate their understanding of key strategies, techniques and positive qualities that are emphasised in the programme. The feedback they receive, both from me and from their peers is powerful and often gives them the confidence boost they need to feel prepared to train others.

What specific challenges do trainers face in train the trainer programmes and how can they effectively overcome these challenges?

One of the biggest challenges is helping participants overcome nerves and anxiety. I give them strategies to manage their stress and feel more confident when speaking in front of others.

Another challenge is maintaining engagement. To keep participants focused, I use a variety of teaching methods, such as individual and group activities, videos, hands-on exercises and quizzes. I also include fun elements like inflatable balls, fidget toys and interactive online activities to cater to different learning styles and keep things fresh.

What resources or tools do you recommend for trainers to enhance their own skills and knowledge when preparing to train others?

Here are a few resources I highly recommend:

• “The Trainers Handbook” by Karen Lawson: A great resource for understanding the essentials of effective training.
• Kahoot: A tool for creating interactive quizzes and assessments that can make learning more engaging.
• LinkedIn Groups: Joining trainer communities on LinkedIn allows you to share ideas, best practices, and insights with others in the field.

What top tips can you offer to other trainers delivering train the trainer programmes to create impactful experiences?

• Know your audience: Understand the experience levels and individual needs of your participants so you can tailor the content to be as relevant and impactful as possible.
• Include humour and storytelling: This makes training more memorable and helps participants emotionally connect with the content.
• Create a supportive environment: Make sure participants feel comfortable and safe to try new things and experiment during the training. Also, ensure that there is plenty of time for participants to practice the skills they’ll need to train others.

Whether you’re just starting your journey as a trainer or are an experienced professional, Linda’s insights offer invaluable guidance for creating impactful and successful training programmes. If you’re looking to develop your own training skills or want to train others to become effective trainers, explore our Certificate in Delivering Training and Practical Certificate in Training Design & Delivery programmes. These courses equip you with the tools, techniques and confidence to create successful training experiences for others.