1. Parts of a Training Proposal
Produced by
Dr. James J. Kirk
Professor of HRD
Western Carolina University

2. Some Things You Will Learn
The definition of a training proposal
The purpose of a training proposal
The parts of a generic training proposal
What should be included in the various parts of a training proposal
How to present a training proposal

3. THE TRAINING PROPOSAL
The training proposal represents a call to action on the part of key decision-makers.

4. PURPOSE OF THE TRAINING PROPOSAL
To persuade decision-makers that your solution to a performance gap is the best solution and therefore deserves being funded.

5. THE MANY PARTS OF A TRAINING PROPOSAL
Training proposals come in different formats
There are 18 elements common to a majority of training proposals

6. TITLE PAGE
Contains a name or title for the proposal which gives readers an idea of its contents

7. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Provides readers an easy and quick reference to the various sections of the proposal

8. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A brief 150 to 200 word summary (i.e., abstract) of the contents of the proposal

9. BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM
What major events led up to the training proposal?
Who identified the problem?
Who proposed a needs assessment?
Who performed the needs assessment?

10. ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM
What is the performance problem?
Why the proposed training is needed?
How does the proposed training satisfy a training need and solves a performance problem?

11. TARGET POPULATION
Who needs and will receive the proposed training?

12. RATIONALE AND GOALS FOR THE PROPOSED TRAINING
The purpose for the training
Goals of the proposed training
The general benefits that will be derived from the proposed training

13. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND TOPICS
What are the main topics of the proposed training?
What are the specific learning objectives associated with each of the training topics?

14. EVALUATION STRATEGIES
How will everyone know that the training was successful?

15. OVERVIEW OF THE TRAINING SOLUTION
What types of learning activities are proposed?
Who will do the training?
When and where will the training occur?

16. PROGRAM OUTLINE
A simple topical outline of the proposed training sessions

17. TRAINING RESOURCES REQUIRED
What materials, software, hardware, facilities, and personnel will be needed for the training?
How much is the training going to cost?

18. CAPABILITIES OF THE TRAINING PROVIDERS
Who are the trainers?
Are the trainers qualified to do the proposed training?
How do we know that the trainers are qualified?

19. DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE
Detailed time schedule stating when the training will be developed and field tested.

20. DELIVERY SCHEDULE
Specific time schedule stating when each learning activity will actually happen.

21. COSTS
A detailed breakdown of the costs.

22. PROJECTED BENEFITS What will things be like after the training?
What will the company be getting for its money?
How will the training pay for itself?

23. APPENDIX Supporting materials Needs assessment data
Project cost-benefit analysis data
Trainer credentials
Sample training exercises

24. WHEN PRESENTING THE PROPOSAL
Know your organization (culture, finances, business plan, performance goals, performance gaps)
Know your audience (values, hot buttons, favorite words and causes)
Know your competition (the solutions that will be competing with your solutions)

25. SOME THINGS YOU HAVE LEARNED
The definition of a training proposal
The purpose of a training proposal
The parts of a generic training proposal
What should be included in the various parts of a training proposal
How to present a training proposal