This question was occasionally debated among our training team: When is the best time to offer training to someone? Let me share a couple scenarios – unfortunately both are real.

Years ago one company sent its newest employee from India to Wisconsin for every bit of technical training we could offer him, insisting he attend all courses back-to-back. Not only was this young man a dry sponge regarding the technology, I’m also quite sure he had no frequent flyer miles. After almost two months of technical training (in English), this student was more than fried. Our team felt sorry for him. We started each class Monday morning with fresh students eager to learn, while he did his best but was overwhelmed. His company figured he needed to know everything before he could start working, and they wouldn’t consider sending him for one or two courses at a time. That was “too costly”.

Another company had the reputation in the industry of ensuring their people were treated like mushrooms (kept in the dark) until the ledger was black, and time was available, the stars lined up. They often lost people and were forever seeking replacements.

So…what is the answer? It seems there are generally two schools of thought regarding the optimum time to provide training.

1) Is it best to provide training ahead of the task so the trainee is well prepared for the work he/she is about to encounter? Or…

2) Is it better to train employees after they have gained some work experience so they can carry knowledge to the classroom and ask good questions?

Although a point could be made for both scenarios, the best time is often precisely between the two. The most effective training is provided exactly at the moment it’s needed. But how can that happen? Are we talking 24/7/365 mentors for each new employee?

SnackLearning is your answer! SnackLearning creates short, customized learning modules specific to any task. Then, they make those videos available to employees 24/7, online, via tablet, PC, or smart phone.

In this way, an employee can get training where they need, how they need it, and most importantly WHEN they need it.