Your Guide to Workplace Training Services in Seattle
Workplace training is no longer optional in today’s fast-moving and competitive business world. It is critical. The city of Seattle produces some of the best in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship and has become one of the best cities in the world for organizations or companies looking to implement focused and impactful training opportunities. Whether a startup, mid-size or large organization, workplace training provides what you need for team eminence.
This guide analyzes the benefits of workplace training, types of workplace training in Seattle, selection of workplace training providers, and expectations in investing in your teams learning and development.
Why Workplace Training Matters
Any business is only as strong as its employees. Below are the reasons why training for the workplace should be a primary concern:
- Higher Productivity: Trained employees are generally more productive, work faster, and make fewer mistakes.
- Employee Retention: Training employees helps to boost morale, and deter turnover. Training employees shows that organization has invested in professionally developing their employees and their jobs.
- Competitive Advantage: A well-trained team is better able to adapt to changes quickly, and do so better than the competition.
- Compliance and Safety: Compliance and safety training are vital, particularly in heavily regulated industries like healthcare and construction or manufacturing. Who wants to attract penalties, and be unsafe?
Seattle has a wide-ranging economy from its tech giants, like Amazon and Microsoft, to a diverse and growing small business community creating an increased demand for customized, skills-specific training.
Types of Workplace Training Services in Seattle
Seattle features many training programs for any industry and any learning style. Below are the most common forms of training programs taken at the worksite:
1. Technical and IT training
Seattle's tech industry is strong with many training providers able to help with:
- Software development
- Cyber security
- Cloud computing (e.g., AWS, Azure)
- Data analytics and AI
Popular providers:
- General Assembly Seattle
- New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
- Coding Dojo
2. Leadership and management training
Building leaders is critical to any organization. These programs focus specifically on:
- Communication
- Conflict management
- Team management
- Strategic thinking
Popular providers:
- Dale Carnegie Training Seattle
- UW Professional & Continuing Education
Center for Leadership & Strategic Thinking (CLST) at UW Foster School of Business
3. Soft Skills and Communication Training
While we often don't spend as much time on soft skills and communication, these skills are crucial for teamwork and engaging customers. They can include:
- Public Speaking
- Time Management
- Emotional Intelligence
- Customer Service.
4. DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) Training
More Seattle companies recognize the need for inclusive workplaces. Their DEI training includes:
- implicit biased
- inclusive leadership.
- cultural competence
- equity-based hiring practices.
Some local providers are:
- The Diversity Center of Seattle
- TMI Consulting
- Paradigm Strategy.
Some industries like healthcare, finance, construction, and hospitality require specialized training to stay compliant and successful.
Examples of industry-specific training include:
- OSHA safety training
- HIPAA for healthcare professionals
- Financial regulations and ethical training
- Food safety certifications
1. Customization.
Look for training providers who offer customized training content to fit your companies "needs", "culture", and "goals".
2. Delivery Format.
Do you want in-person workshops, virtual training, mixed format? Most providers in Seattle offer hybrid options.
3. Reputation and Reviews.
Check online reviews, look at testimonials, or request case studies. Get referrals from other businesses in Seattle.
4. Experience in Your Industry.
Select providers that have experience in your specific market/economy (it is particularly important for compliance, safety and technical training).
5. After training support.
The best training provides some follow-up, ongoing assessments and opportunities for expanded or continued learning.
1. UW Professional & Continuing Education
Offers flexible professional development opportunities in leading, managing projects, and much more. Supported by the university Office of Professional & Continuing Education, who is known for their excellence in academia.
2. New Horizons Seattle
Excellent for IT training and certifications. They provide training options that fit your business for live virtual or in person.
3. Dale Carnegie Training
Famous for their leadership and communications training, has workshops for every level of professional.
4. General Assembly
Best for technology based companies. They offer bootcamps and short course in coding, data science, UX design, and many other skill sets.
5. SkillPath
They offer options for onsite training tailored to your business in a variety of topics related to business and they can even cover management and soft skills.
1. Assessment
The provider assesses your company goals, the current skills gap, and team dynamics.
2. Curriculum Design
A custom curriculum or off-the-shelf curriculum is created based on your requirements.
3. Training Delivery
The training sessions are delivered through seminars, workshops, e-learning modules or coaching sometimes in combination.
4. Evaluation
The training is evaluated through post-training assessment or surveys regarding the effectiveness and the return on investment.
5. Follow-Up
Some providers may offer additional training, learning support, or refresher sessions.
- Engage leadership: Gain buy-in from managers and leaders to provide support for and value-added to training efforts.
- Establish clear goals: Make it known what a successful training experience looks like, and establish success metrics.
- Facilitate application: Encourage participants to practice and apply their new skills in practice.
- Solicit feedback: Learn from participant feedback and improve training in the future!
With the amount of training providers, emerging industries and forward thinking in Seattle - it will also be easier to prioritize professional development. Whether you are hiring new employees, upskilling current employees or developing future leaders, there is a solution available for anything you need.
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