When developing an internal training program, utilizing your subject matter experts (SMEs) can be a game-changer. These experts possess in-depth knowledge of the company’s operations, culture, and industry-specific challenges, allowing them to deliver highly relevant and practical training. Leveraging SMEs can ensure that your training program is not only cost-effective but also tailored to your organization’s unique needs. Let’s explore why using in-house SMEs to create training programs is the key to success and the additional benefits this approach offers.

Customizable Training Content

In-house training can allow an organization to fully customize its content to meet specific needs. By using internal experts, you can design training programs that address relevant business challenges and align with your goals. SMEs have direct insights into the day-to-day operations and are aware of the most common issues employees face. This ensures the training is not generic but highly targeted.

For instance, a training program for new sales associates can focus on customer interactions and mastering the company’s point-of-sale (POS) system. SMEs can also set practical time limits on training sessions to ensure efficiency and prevent resource waste. Customization is especially beneficial when onboarding employees into different departments, allowing for a more personalized approach.

Cost Savings

Using internal experts for training saves costs in various ways. Outsourcing training to external companies can be expensive, involving high fees and additional costs like travel and accommodations. In-house training eliminates these expenses.

Additionally, your employees remain on-site during training, minimizing disruptions to daily operations. This ensures productivity continues, and employees can quickly return to their tasks. Over time, the cost savings of internal training can accumulate, making it a sustainable option for growing businesses.

Builds Team Cohesion

Training delivered by internal SMEs can create an excellent opportunity for team building. As new hires collaborate with their colleagues during training sessions, they develop relationships and learn how to work together effectively.

Involving managers and senior employees as trainers can help foster a culture of mentorship, which can boost retention rates. SMEs who are invested in the company’s success provide new hires with meaningful insights and practical knowledge, helping them adjust more smoothly to their new roles.

Engages Internal Experts for Relevant Training

While external training providers offer value, no one understands your business like your internal experts. SMEs know the company culture, internal systems, and potential challenges better than outsiders. Their insights are grounded in real-world experience and are often more practical and applicable to new hires’ roles.

For example, in a marketing company, an experienced project manager might lead a training session on client management, offering real-world examples and tailored advice on navigating client relationships. Such insights are invaluable and often cannot be replicated by external trainers who lack the same familiarity with the business.

Incorporates Hands-On Learning

One of the significant advantages of using SMEs for internal training is the ability to incorporate hands-on learning. When employees learn by doing, they are more likely to retain information and develop the skills needed for their job roles.

SMEs can design training sessions where new hires actively participate in simulations or real projects. For example, in a tech company, new hires can work on coding projects under the guidance of expert developers. This hands-on approach allows trainers to identify knowledge gaps and provide immediate feedback, helping employees refine their skills on the spot.

Monitors Training Progress Regularly

With in-house onboarding programs for new hires, it can be easier to monitor the progress of employees and adjust the program accordingly. Regular evaluations allow you to assess whether the training is meeting its goals and address any areas where employees might be struggling.

Using SMEs can also enable ongoing mentorship, where they can provide additional support when needed. Regular feedback sessions and even small celebrations of achievements can motivate new employees to continue progressing, making the entire training process more engaging and rewarding.

Time to Unbox Your In-House Training Plan

Internal training, led by your SMEs, can offer numerous benefits, from customization and cost savings to fostering team cohesion and hands-on learning. A well-crafted in-house training program, built with the insights and guidance of SMEs, can set your new hires up for long-term success. Start by setting clear, achievable goals for your training, and ensure you have the right team in place to support the process. This is one of the best ways to create an efficient, cost-effective training program that prepares employees to excel in their roles.