The training of trainers in Tennessee private industry

The purpose of this study was to determine the background of industrial trainers in Tennessee. The study attempted to identify the Staining of the trainers, their entry into the position of trainer, their work experience prior to becoming a trainer, their training for a trainer, and the source for their instructional material used in the programs.

A questionnaire was developed and mailed to randomly selected trainers in private industry in Tennessee who were members of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). Follow-up telephone calls were made to the trainers who failed to respond to the mailings. Fifty-one (85%) of the selected sample responded.

Most of the trainers had college degrees and worked for large companies. There was almost an even split between those hired for training and those transferred into training, with many of the transfers into training coming from the technical staff, managers, and personnel administration. The areas of training and methods of training of the trainers are also discussed. Both self-developed training materials and materials from other companies were used by most of the trainers.

Recommendations made include: (1) a state-wide and national study of ASTD members should be conducted, (2) a study should be conducted to ascertain how adequately they feel prepared as a trainer, and (3) a study should be made to determine if part-time trainers are as effective as full-time trainers.