2.2. Characteristics of Training Providers

Part time or external trainers

Almost half of the training providers have their training done by their own in-house trainers employing less than 10% outsourced, part-time trainers. A significant number of training companies contract and depend on over 40% freelance and moonlighting part time trainers.

Training buyers often believe that outsourced trainers will bring significantly negative impact on the quality of the overall training. That is why HR managers often ask about the number and background of their supplier’s full-time trainers, as well as, references and testimonials. A common practice is to meet with the designated trainer in advance of the scheduled training as a measure of quality control and first hand assurance of the trainer’s competency.

Trainers’ qualifications

As for the certification(s) that trainers possess, 57% hold internationally recognized certificates, while 36% hold industrially recognized certificates. It is noted that nearly every fifth trainer does not have any certification. Experience, professionalism and the ability to deliver the expected results has a preference over one’s paper certification. As previously mentioned, professional HR decision-makers prefer personal interview proof of the designated trainer versus printed credentials, placing limited credence to representations made in print.

Certification of trainers has caused a harsh debate in China. While training buyers claim it is only a minor additional factor, the majority of training providers (56%) pursue the race of certifying their trainers. One fourth clearly stated that it is not important, while 20% said ‘it depends’.

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