When it comes to workplace training, especially health and safety training, every company faces the same question: Do we bring in an external trainer, or do we build the capability internally?
Train-the-Trainer courses prepare your employees to deliver certified training to their own teams. It’s an investment that can save time and money in the long run, but it’s not the right choice for every organization. Here’s a look at the pros and cons to help you decide.
What is the Train-the-Trainer approach?
The Train-the-Trainer approach is a way for organizations to bring training in-house. Instead of hiring an outside facilitator every time, a few employees are trained and certified to deliver courses to their own teams. These internal facilitators understand the company’s work environment, challenges, and culture, so they can make the training more relevant and engaging. It’s a practical way to build long-term knowledge, keep training consistent, and save costs over time.
The benefits of Train-the-Trainer training
1. Cost savings over time
While there’s an upfront investment to certify internal facilitators, many companies save money over time. Once your team is certified, they can deliver training as often as needed without the ongoing cost of hiring external instructors, aside from periodic Train-the-Trainer refreshers. This approach is especially valuable for organizations with high employee turnover or frequent training requirements.
2. Consistency and customization
Your internal facilitators understand your organization’s culture, job hazards, and processes better than any external provider. That means they can tailor examples, discussions, and case studies to your specific environment.
3. Scheduling flexibility
Instead of relying on third-party availability, internal facilitators can deliver sessions when it suits your team. This is ideal for shift work, seasonal operations, or remote work sites.
4. Long-term knowledge building
Having internal facilitators supports a culture of continuous learning and safety leadership. They become champions who can mentor new hires, reinforce policies, and drive engagement from within.
The cons of Train-the-Trainer courses
1. Upfront investment
There’s an upfront investment to certify internal facilitators, including course costs and time away from regular duties. For small organizations or those with limited training needs, outsourcing may still be more practical.
2. Time commitment for facilitators
Your facilitators will need time away from their regular duties to prepare, deliver, and refresh their certifications. Without proper support, that can become a strain on resources.
3. Ongoing quality assurance
Internal facilitators must stay current with regulatory updates (like changes to WHMIS or OHSA requirements). Partnering with a provider like OSG ensures your facilitators have access to updated materials and continued support but it’s still a commitment.
4. Liability and risk
When employees are responsible for delivering training, the company assumes more liability if a session is delivered incorrectly or if employees fail to fully understand compliance requirements. Proper certification, ongoing support, and quality checks are essential to manage this risk.
Whether in-house or outsourced, OSG has you covered
Whether you choose to build internal expertise with Train-the-Trainer courses or prefer to outsource your safety training, OSG can help. Our team works with organizations of all sizes to tailor training solutions that fit your workplace, schedule, and compliance needs. With expert guidance, up-to-date materials, and ongoing support, we make it easy to keep your team safe, confident, and fully trained, no matter which approach you choose.