Software Training Professionals

Introduction

Software Training is one of the most area in software industry but unfortunately, it is also one of the most neglected as well. It probably is the first area to be cut during a downturn, and the last to be funded when companies emerge from a slowdown. But senior mangers or organizations who understand the difference between trained and untrained professionals definitely pursues training as an important goal.

In the last decade, companies used to woo candidates with a promise of further training on new technologies but with the grooming of lot of software professionals, this trend has stopped. But it is still the area which can raise the competency levels of an organization and make a difference to its productivity and performance.

Most technology companies try to equip their employees with a variety of technologies and tools. They do so such that the employees can be shifted form one project to another without much need of specialized trainings. The organizations vary widely on their training procedures. Some of them put their new recruits through a rigorous training program and others train employees on a need-only basis. Similarly, some organizations have fully equipped, in house training departments while some rely on outside institutes to provide training to their staff. Needless to say, companies having their own training departments are better off since they can organize trainings for their employees as and when required without much cost. Training employees also helps organizations to use employee skills effectively and increase employees' satisfaction with their jobs and working conditions.

Besides the core technological skills needed by software professionals – companies also provide them with necessary soft skills trainings such as Team management skills, Project Management skills, Basics of business i.e. regarding company objectives and policies and expectations, and Communications and cultural sensitivity.

Methods of Training:

There have been extraordinary innovations in learning technologies. Training methods include on-the-job training; operating schools that duplicate shop conditions for trainees prior to putting them on the shop floor; apprenticeship training; classroom training; and electronic learning, which may involve interactive Internet-based training, multimedia programs, distance learning, satellite training, other computer-aided instructional technologies, videos, simulators, conferences, and workshops.

The most important and widespread demand for training is at the time of induction of freshers. Companies usually provide specialized trainings on projects and its nuances before inducting the person into their team.

Training and Opportunities

There are many companies who provide specialized trainings to corporate houses. IBM is one of them which provides Customized Corporate Training Programs by assessing training needs, and designing, developing and delivering corporate training solutions.

Thus Training and development managers and specialists conduct and supervise training and development programs for employees and thus to be a corporate trainer, one must possess a basic degree in technical area of specialization and very good presentation and communication skills. Even if the person does not have the qualifications in the technical area, they still can be hired if they possess experience in teaching and willingness to learn newer technologies quickly. For specialized positions, previous experience is an asset and similarly for higher positions such as those of training managers, arbitrators, and mediators, experience is an essential requirement. Training managers are responsible for the whole learning process and also are required to set up and provide teaching materials prior to the training class. In some cases they also provide completion certificates at the end of the training schedule. They are responsible for the learning course and must ensure that it meets its objectives and is measured and evaluated to understand how learning impacts business results