Agent Training & Education: Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?
by Pat Gagnon, CTCThe following guest column was contributed by The Travel Institute’s director of program development.
With so many training options available to travel professionals these days, how do you know which to choose? To find the training that’s right for you, you’ll need to ask a few questions.
The first question to ask yourself is why are you taking the training? Will it help you advance your career? Will you learn a new skill? Or is it just for fun?
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If you don’t have a clear goal in mind for a particular training, you may not be motivated enough to finish what you start.
Here are four more questions to consider when selecting a quality training program.
#1. Is it practical?
Does the training program have a practical application that ties in directly to your day-to-day responsibilities? One way to find out is to look at the learning outcomes for the training program. Look for results that are specific and measurable.
For example, a learning outcome or course description that states that “you will learn how to create your own website or blog using WordPress” indicates that you will receive more practical training than a course description that states, “You will learn all about WordPress.”
#2. How is the learning delivered/accessed?
Does the training offer interactive multimedia components, or is it static? Oftentimes people abandon their training because it’s too boring. We live in a multimedia world and the training should reflect that.
Look, for example, for training that combines interactive online courses with downloadable articles and videos and even podcasts. When it comes to engagement – and results – the more variety the better!
Effective training also allows the user to access the content when they want to and on various devices, such as computer, tablet and smartphone.
#3. Is there support throughout the training?
If you have questions during the training, is someone available to answer them within 24 hours, if not sooner?
Taking a virtual training program can be a lonely experience. Having a chat room or discussion board where other travel agents taking the same training can network, communicate and answer questions can make it a more rewarding experience.
#4. Is there ongoing support and training after the training is complete?
In today’s fast-paced world, things are changing constantly. A superior training program will provide ongoing updates after the initial training is complete. For example, what you learn today about how to set up a Facebook page may all change a few months from now.
Look for training programs that send periodic updates about the latest changes and enhancements.
Ask about reputation
Finally, don’t be afraid to investigate the reputation of the training provider and to ask for testimonials or referrals from people who have received the same training.
Quality educational programs are designed with flexibility in format and, more importantly, in the focus of the coursework. The days of a one-size-fits-all solution just don’t work anymore.
Take your time to make sure you are getting the most out of your training budget and experience.
Pat Gagnon, CTC, is director of program development at The Travel Institute where she has worked for 25 years. Email her at pgagnon@thetravelinstitute.com. Visit The Travel Institute on Facebook or Twitter.
