The Importance of Training Need Analysis to Identify Employee Competency Gaps

One of the important issues in the realm of human resources is the training and development of employees. Employee development needs to be periodically planned and organized to ensure that employees can provide performance according to organizational expectations. Identification of gaps or discrepancies between employee capabilities and expected performance will certainly greatly assist the organization in determining the steps that need to be taken to overcome this gap.

However, in designing a training and development program, the company certainly need to ensure that the program can run effectively and efficiently. One of them is by conducting a Training Need Analysis (TNA). TNA is a systematic effort to identify competency gaps between current and expected employees. The hope is that if these gaps are known and followed up, then employees will be able to have sufficient ability to do their jobs so that they can perform as expected.

Step Training Need Analysis

There are several steps that can be taken to identify competency gaps through a training needs analysis (TNA),

1. Determine the goal (objective) to be achieved

Begin by clearly defining the goals of the organization or department. This will help you identify the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to achieve this goal.

2. Identification of performance standards

Determine the performance standards required to achieve the goal. These standards will help you evaluate employee performance and identify gaps that need to be addressed.

3. Conduct competency assessment

Evaluate the competence (skills, knowledge, and abilities) of current employees. Identify areas where employees are not meeting performance standards.

4. Determine what the training needs are

Based on the assessment results and predetermined performance standards, determine employee training needs. Identify specific skills and knowledge that need to be developed or enhanced through training.

5. Develop a training plan

Develop a training plan on identified training needs. This plan should include training objectives, training methods, and training evaluation steps.

6. Implement the training plan

Implement training plans and provide employees with the necessary training. Also evaluate the effectiveness of training by measuring employee performance before and after training.

7. Monitor and evaluate results

Continue to monitor and evaluate the results of the training to see whether the training has improved employee performance and whether the training objectives have been achieved

The role of the Assessment Center in Training Need Analysis

One of the steps in the Training Need Analysis is conducting an employee competency assessment. This can be done by using the Assessment Center method. In an Assessment Center, participants will undergo various types of simulations specifically designed to measure their competence. These simulations cover various aspects, such as leadership skills, communication skills, and the ability to work in teams. The results of this Assessment Center can provide very important information for companies in developing effective training programs, including in identifying more specific training needs. For example, if the results from the Assessment Center show that most employees have difficulty working in teams, then the company can design a training program that focuses on developing teamwork skills.

In addition to looking at competencies for current positions, the Assessment Center can also help companies identify employees who have the potential to take on leadership roles in the future. In the Assessment Center, employees can be assessed for their leadership abilities, as well as other skills needed to be effective leaders. The results of the assessment can assist the company in developing a suitable leadership development program. Therefore, the Assessment Center can be used to plan future leadership succession.

Article by Herjuno Tisnoaji - Resident Assessor of prasmul-eli