Hi The role I currently occupy is for a small (ish) company. Toolbox talks are done on a one to one basis and I have never done an induction for more than one person at a time. Looking at roles advertised there seems to be a requirement for training to be given to employees and I'm assuming this would be of more than 1 at a time, much like a classroom bases training. Has anyone got suggestions on how to go about giving these and hiding ones nerves? Or even if these types of training do take place. Thanks

You could always build up your toolbox talks to start with, have 2 people in there to begin. Have confidence in what you are saying also, know that you can stand your ground on it but be open to the thoughts and feelings of others. I admit I get terrified when I have had to do training in the past with people, but I am open and let them know I am just another human being- give them a bit of insight into me and what I stand for and as much as possible get people talking- make it more into a conversation between 3 of you rather than a training exercise to start with. If possible get out there with your staff and talk to them- some of them can be an approachable bunch!

Also- though you might feel a bit silly but rehearse some of the points you are making- get someone to listen in and ask them to comment on how you did- were you clear? Did you rush a bit or look out of the window rather than at the person- did you come across as approachable and on top of your game? Having that self confidence on the right level I think is a major player in being a trainer. Good luck, if there is anything I can do to help please let me know Jodie

Easy to say but JDI :-) get in there give it a go - yes daunting at first - when I did my first 4 day MS course for 12 people I came out of it like I had been in a four day fight - exhausted - and yes my you know what was twitching like a rabbits nose for days before hand. Give it a go :-)

I give inductions and other training for up to 90 people at a time -- more like a lecture really. Nerves don't come into it once you have done a few SBH

I agree with the point about reducing slides, making the session active is the key. Ideally deliver the training in the work environment, or if you do get confined to the stuffy training room, try to bring in as many items from real life as you can. If you do a course like PTLLS or CTLLS they will recommend writing a lesson plan. The involves breaking down the course into chunks, working out what you want them to learn then saying what you will do and what the learners will do. It’s a useful tool because if you find yourself putting things like “the group will sit and listen attentively while I read out slide number 87” then you know the session could use a bit of work. Even just simple things like defining hazard and risk – yes you could write it on a slide and read it out but if you ask them to write their own definitions and talk about it first then you have a much more involved group, a better understanding of their level and less pressure on you. And my tip top toppest tip is … if someone stumps you with a question and you need a minute, pause then say to the group “that’s a really interesting point, what would the rest of you do?”. Gold. Good luck!

Been away a few days, so thank you for the updates and hints and tips. I obviously have to get use to the whole idea of training of more than one person. Prep it would seem is the key word with any training. Just have to keep applying for roles and hope at least one gives me the break I need

As people say the H&s role almost always involves an element of training and usually that is more than one person. If you are not confident about public speaking get yourself onto a public speaking confidence building course. I got onto one through Reed 10 years ago and to my surprise (I was told to go!) I really enjoyed it. It was only one day and great fun. If you want to do more training to larger groups get on a course like the Asecentis Level 3 Award in Education and Training (formerly known as Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector-PTLLS) which will teach you how to set up and plan teaching units including what they call “micro-teaches” which are basically the same as toolbox talks. You get an opportunity to stand up and do your stuff and see how other people approach it. I have since done all sorts of presentations, the largest being to a group of 200+

I'd go for a presentation skills course rather than a train the trainer.