CTT+ for Clifford IT

INSTRUCTION: City giant invests in training the trainers

Clifford Chance has invested in a certified programme for its IT training staff in a bid to counter concerns that they may become unmotivated.

The firm's eight IT training staff underwent a Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) course last month developed by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

The certification is a cross-industry credential which certifies excellence in technical instruction.

It is recognised by large companies such as Microsoft, and those members of staff with the certification demonstrate core competencies such as instructor knowledge and credibility, classroom performance, and presentation and communication skills.

Jane Buxton, Clifford Chance's IT training manager, said the aim of the training was to remotivate the staff and refresh their skills.

'Training skills are vitally important for all IT trainers,' she said.

'I was looking for a course which would deliver an excellent standard of training skills and also complement the IT skills of the team.'

The team took part in a four-day course in which they were taught 14 core competencies recognised by the International Board of Standards for Training Performance and Instruction.

These included communication and presentation skills to improve teaching, and evaluation and feedback skills to improve assessment procedures.

Ms Buxton said: 'The course focused on the art of training: looking at how to structure courses, keep the participants' interest going, how to ask questions and how to encourage the participants to take responsibility for their own learning.'

After the course, the IT trainers were given time to practise their skills and prepare for the CTT+ exam by using an on-line exam simulator.

Ms Buxton said she hopes to send all new IT training staff on the course.

Victoria MacCallum