Training Materials, buy them off-shelf or design them yourself?
Training Materials, buy them off-shelf or design them yourself?
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- Last Updated: 07 October 2021
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Both paths can work. Your choice depends on time, stakes, and how much tailoring your client needs. Here’s a practical way to decide—plus a design checklist you can use either way.
When buying makes sense
- Speed to launch: you need a workshop next week. Use ready builds like Mini Course Packages (half‑day) or Full Course Packages (full day).
- Proven structure: tested agendas, timings, and activities reduce delivery risk.
- Budget reality: you avoid weeks of unpaid R&D.
- Consistency across teams: same flow in Cairo and Dubai without reinventing.
- Licensing clarity: reuse with clients under clear terms.
When designing in‑house wins
- Proprietary content: your client’s model, process, or compliance language.
- Heavy context: niche use cases, sector jargon, or tooling that must be shown.
- Signature style: you’re building an IP moat and need a distinctive experience.
- Assessment fit: outcomes map to internal rubrics; see The Power of Assessment.
The hybrid most trainers use
Start from a solid base, then layer client‑specific cases, language, and metrics.
- Pick a core package (mini for half‑day, full for deep skill practice).
- Swap examples, add a role‑play, and tune timings (Full Day vs. Half Day).
- Write clear objectives and link them to job tasks (Writing Proper Training Objectives).
- Plan your delivery using How to Use a Trainer’s Guide and Preparing to Train a New Topic.
Design checklist (use for bought or bespoke)
- Kickoff with connection: short icebreaker to lower barriers and start peer learning. Try a quick self‑check like Are You a People Person? or VAK Learning Styles Questionnaire.
- Mix methods: role plays, case studies, simulations, games, and short demos.
- Spiral the concepts: build on earlier ideas so skills stick (brief recap → practice).
- Interdependence: use jigsaw or teach‑back so everyone owns a slice of content.
- Team competition (safely): small groups keep energy up and give shy learners space.
- Limit lecture: 10–15 minute bursts, then activity. If tech fails, have a plan B: How to Use a Flipchart.
- Time cost is real: estimate hours × your rate + support time; compare with buying.
Quick cost sense‑check
Sketch the math before you commit:
- Research & outline: 6–12 hrs
- Activity design & testing: 8–20 hrs
- Slides & workbook: 8–16 hrs
- Facilitator guide: 6–10 hrs
- Total: 28–58 hrs (often more). Multiply by your hourly rate and compare to package cost.
Related tools & internal links
- Mini Course Packages — targeted half‑day builds.
- Full Course Packages — full‑day depth with guides and workbooks.
- Conflict Style Quiz and Culture Assessment — use as prework.
- Putting Training into Action — make post‑class transfer visible.
- Leverage Social Media in Class — extend learning between sessions.
FAQs
About the Author
Written by the Training Course Material team, creators of practical, customizable resources for trainers worldwide.
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