Limited training budget. What do I do?

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The very thought of not having all the money we need for learning activities can be very discouraging. That is the REALITY in many organisations. We need to be creative about our learning solutions. We do need to solicit for more funds but we also need to be prudent with the resources we have and how we use them. 

What can be done about the budget? 

 - Depending on the amount and time frame for the budget provided, determine the cost per head. The calculation is total budget divided by the number of employees (Total budget/Total number of employees).

 - You need to look at the individual department. Do they have a departmental budget for trainings? Some department, units or teams have such privileges. This will help you recalculate the average training cost per head.

 - Take a look at the learning solutions; how can we train more with less without compromising on the learning content or structure?

 - Determine a mix of solutions that will be most appropriate. The solutions can be blended. 

 - Determine all cost related to training design, delivery and administration. You will be shocked how much you can save from your administrative cost.

 - Align your learning interventions to reach more. Look for one-time cost solutions that can be used over a period of time

 - Look at some no cost ways of learning:
  • Articles in existing  newsletter 
  • Use social media
  • Brown bags
  • Coaching/Mentoring
  • Special Projects
  • Job rotation
  • Library
  • Over shadowing
  • Conferences
  • Seminars
  • Free courses abound on various topics. Show them where to get them
  • Developing departmental SOP
(See more at: http://managementhelp.org/blogs/training-and-development/2011/05/02/a-simple-training-plan-five-low-cost-solutions/#sthash.KzbRmwB7.dpuf)
 - Ask the following questions and be sincere. It could be done with the team
   Classroom training:
  • How can we cut down on travel cost and stipends? A lot of money goes down on travels. Check to  see where it can be minimized.
  • What options do we have with hiring consultants? Maybe use in-house facilitators or conduct a one -time Training of Trainers (TOT) for in-house trainers. You will be amazed at the amount of talent inherent in the organisation.
  • How can we prioritize participant selection for trainings? Except it is a standard that management is willing to maintain
  • Are we spending too much on paper and participant materials? Are there other options? flash drives or pdf documents
   e-learning
  • Do we have an existing e-learning platform?
  • Can we get a low or no cost learning management system (LMS)? Moodle
  • How can we reduce cost on overhead related to e-learning?
I wanted to add that majority of learning takes place in informal forums. Leverage on these forums. 

For more questions or comments, please send an email to bayus007@yahoo.com.


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