51+ Sample Training Reports

Training Report: What Is It?

A training report refers to the official document used to assess all the positive and negative factors of a training program from start to finish. Training reports are also multi-faceted in that they can be used for many functions from tracking a trainee’s progress, drafting a summary of what happened during the training, and even jotting down the essential takeaways from the program. And just like any brief report, the training report should cover basic formatting elements to cover as much relevant data as possible.

According to Statista, international workplace training reached $370.3 billion back in 2019.

Why Are Training Reports Needed?

Believe it or not but there are a plethora of reasons why training reports are greatly necessary. And it may vary from one organization to another. But generally, these are the standard reasons why training reports are important:

Trainee Evaluation: Probably the most common function of a training report is to serve as a trainee evaluation report. After gathering all insights about the training sessions conducted in a company or organization, everyone trained in the process will be evaluated. This is to check who passed the program, who improved along the way, and who failed to meet the manager’s expectations.Trainer’s Performance Assessment: The next concern is to monitor the trainers and leaders themselves, just like in a leadership report. Maybe the reason trainees are struggling from training is due to a trainer’s inability to lead and train effectively. Hence, the leaders or trainers must not be ignored as they affect the trainees’ performance greatly as well.Training Program Appraisal: Training reports give room for assessing the training program itself. And it is crucial to have an appraisal report concerning the overall training scheme to judge if it was effective or ineffective. This part is where the pros and cons of the training sessions will be raised, as well as the challenges and other observations noticed from the program.Training Documentation: Most business owners and managers require full documentation of the training program. This will be a very detailed report since not only what happened is discussed but also the underlying elements involved. What to document would include the training budget, training schedule, training resources, number of participants, overall analysis, and so much more.Training Budget: Speaking of training budget, it is one crucial factor as to why training reports are necessary. For example, was the budget allocated for training enough or lacking? And you can also identify the costs of each training resource used in the session. In fact, there was a total of $370.3 billion spent for international workplace training in 2019, proving the many organizations that prioritize a budget specifically for training.Training Overview: You can’t forget about the training report’s purpose to conduct a training overview. This is where you come up with a full executive summary of whatever occurred in the program from beginning until last. And to make the overview easier, you can divide the details by time from daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual training reports.Training Recommendations: Most importantly, training reports have room for suggestions or feedback. So whatever was observed from the last training session that could have been improved, you can make plenty of recommendations about it. That way, you expect better performances and outcomes for future training programs instead of getting worse.

What to Include in a Training Report

Indeed, training reports are important. But what is exactly found inside a training report? Remember that the data per report may vary from one organization to another. However, there are common denominators expected too. So in this section, find out the basic elements often included in a training report.

Introduction: Every training report begins with an introductory statement. And this introduction is where you state what the document is all about, which is a training report. Next, introduce the names of the trainers, trainees, and whoever is involved in the program. The same goes for a brief statement about what the training plan is all about.Context: Further explanation about the training report lies under the report’s context. This is somewhat of an abstract where the training’s project scope statement is written. The same goes for the training location, the timeline of events, and other variables. The context helps readers understand more about the training scheme clearly.Objectives and Goals: Also an important element to the report is the goals and objectives. A clear goal statement will thoroughly explain what the expected outcomes are, why there is a need to conduct training in the first place, and what the desired achievements are. Hence, every objective should be met at the very end of the program for it to be effective.Program: The heart of a training report would be the steps, procedures, and methods of the entire training program. You can highlight the main points in an overview. Also, the more relevant details there are to add, the better the outcome. And the key to writing the program is to arrange the events or steps chronologically. Focus on what happens first until the last part of the procedure.Evaluation: It would be no surprise that evaluations are part of a training report. Check every participant’s performance to evaluate. And just like tracking sheets, this is where you monitor their progress per step too. Also, do not forget to state if the goals and objectives were met. And a short conclusion can close this section.Analysis and Recommendations: The last part of the report would be the important analysis reports and recommendations. The analysis is where reflections, criticisms, and particular observations will be mentioned. And the recommendation segment welcomes ideas that could have enhanced the training even further. Thus, training reports do not just end in judging if the training outcome is good or not since you also need to suggest ideas for future training schemes.

How to Write a Proper Training Report

Writing a training report is not as difficult as you might think. With impressive observatory skills and constant notetaking, you can surely ace the process. To be more specific, you can make training reports in just six easy steps. And without further ado, here are the steps on how to write a great training report:

Step 1: Compare the Training Plan and the Actual Training Program

First of all, you should review the training plan. Every business has its strategic plan on how to conduct training sessions. This helps you understand the entire training program crystal clear like if the training involves an acting workshop, school project, office employee performance, etc. Next, compare the plan to the actual training program. This is where you can see the similarities and differences if plans were met in reality or the other way around. And you can write your observations in a draft as your guide on what to write in the training report later on.

Step 2: Download a Sample Training Report

The easiest way to make training reports is to use premade templates where you won’t have to write from the very beginning. Sample training report templates included in this article help you craft such reports shortly. As they are premade, you only need to deal with the specifics and finishing touches. Be sure to personalize the template of your choice since each sample lets you tweak the format, alter the design, and add as much info as you need. You can change every element and detail right from the front page to the very last.

Step 3: Insert the Training Report’s Elements

From the introduction down to the analysis or recommendation page, ensure that you got all elements covered in your training report. As discussed previously on what to include in the training report, they complete on how a proper training report should look like. And your report becomes flawed without the program, context, evaluation, and other significant parts. Also, you can add more elements that you think can help your training report further so don’t simply limit from the examples mentioned here.

Step 4: Write Details in Proper Order

You should know by now that writing training reports orderly is standard. The most important part is when you write about what happened in the training program on a step-by-step basis. Arrange the events chronologically to be clear on whichever occurred first to last. And it works as if you are writing a story where it starts with a prologue to an epilogue. But, always aim to write in the most succinct way possible to this document.

Step 5: Simple and Plain Language Works

A clear and concise training report can be achieved by using simple language. In fact, plain English already works. There is no need to use complicated words and even unnecessary statements that will only bewilder your readers eventually. Also, you are deprived to use jargon and informal words as they make the report appear unprofessional.

Step 6: Attach Evidence and Supporting Documents

To make your training report more believable or credible, always attach supporting files and documents that serve as evidence. This step is critical in case no one believes what you wrote in the report. Maybe someone finds your observation to be biased or false. Hence, show your proof by attaching relevant documents like the training schedule, trainee scores, real-time statistics, infographic charts, and others. Lastly, backtrack the whole report and make changes if necessary. And you are free to publish that report once you are confident with the outcome.

FAQs

What is the common training report structure?

In chronological order, the structure of a training report consists of the cover letter, title page, acknowledgment, executive summary, table of contents, introduction, training program report, references, and appendices.

How do you write a training report for a workshop?

In writing a workshop training report, begin by organizing the details where there is a clear structure of what the whole workshop entails. Next, mention the basic facts about the workshop from its purpose, location, timeline, etc. After that, you state the specifics by recording the results, the participants’ workshop performance, training effectivity, and more. And wrap it up with the feedback or recommendations section.

What are the types of training methods?

There are numerous training methods available. And the common types would be a case study, on-the-job training, coaching, e-learning, group discussion, and outdoor training.

The next time you or your company decides to implement a training program, always follow it up with a training report. Indeed, training helps implement effective learning and development. But, failing to assess and monitor training performance as a whole would hinder the said learning experience. Thankfully, making training reports has never been easier with editable sample templates available to guide you along the way. Download sample training reports now!