Posted By Denis Murphy I have been asked to develop a training needs analysis by a small contractor who hopes to double his turnover in the next 5 years and is looking to invest in training his current staff. I would be grateful if someone could forward a standard questionnaire, if such a thing exists, that I could then develop to suit the needs of this contractor. Look forward to your responses.

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Denis Any organisation that 'hopes to double his turnover in the next 5 years and is looking to invest in training his current staff' is talking about a major project of organisational change. All reliable relevant research indicates that it is impossible to forecast the learning needs even 30 months ahead much less than twice that period. It's great that the guy is willing to invest. Advise him/her to invest in consultancy that will enable him/her and senior people they trust to understand the kind of changes they are anticipating. Investment in employee training will then be much, much more cost-effective.