Supporting effective training

Workforce training is an effective way to strengthen disability support services. Research shows that people can be supported to access and stick with training when the following elements are in place.

• Training infrastructure is sustainable and well embedded.
• The content and delivery is relevant.
• The trainees are confident and motivated to learn.

People are also more likely to use their new skills and knowledge on the job when these factors are in place.

Nine steps to effective training

1. Assess training needs.
2. Provide organisational support.
3. Prepare the learning climate.
4. Assess and secure training resources.
5. Build trainee motivation and confidence.
6. Ensure training content and delivery is relevant.
7. Use technology wisely.
8. Facilitate skills use on the job.
9. Evaluate training.

The resource What supports effective workforce training? outlines these steps in more detail.

Overcoming barriers

People working in home and community support services can face multiple barriers to training such as cost, lack of supporting infrastructure, and little or no training experience. The research report Promoting training uptake and completion in home and community support services looks at how organisations can support people to overcome these barriers.