Manager training staff with passion.

Across the UK, organisations are facing growing skills gaps, rapid technological change, and increasing pressure on productivity. In 2026, the ability of managers to train and develop their people on the job is no longer optional, it is mission-critical. Effective manager-trainers improve performance, boost retention, and help teams adapt quickly to new ways of working.

A manager who knows how to train doesn’t just supervise, they develop capability, confidence and competence in their teams. In today’s workplace, that is a competitive advantage.

Summary

  • 39% of UK employees do not believe their manager has the skills to train or develop them.
  • Organisations that invest in training see higher productivity, quality, and staff retention.
  • Managers who can train people reduce skills gaps and improve business performance.

What Do We Mean by “Managers Training People”?

The traditional view is that HR or L&D teams handle training. However, more UK organisations now rely on managers to deliver practical, on-the-job training. Managers understand the work, the standards, and the challenges their teams face — making them uniquely positioned to teach effectively.

Being a “manager-trainer” means:

  • Explaining tasks clearly and breaking them into step-by-step instructions.
  • Coaching and giving constructive feedback.
  • Ensuring consistent standards across teams.
  • Supporting learning as part of everyday work — not just occasionally.

Why This Matters

Common Challenges

  • Employees lack confidence in their managers’ training ability.
    A 2024 UK-wide survey found that 39% of employees do not feel their manager has the skills to train or develop them.
  • Poor training leads to higher turnover.
    UK data highlights that teams receiving effective training experience significantly lower staff turnover.
  • Skills gaps and inconsistent performance.
    Without effective on-the-job training, employees repeat mistakes, productivity drops, and bad habits spread.

Improvements When Done Well

When managers know how to train effectively, organisations see:

  • Higher productivity — training is consistently linked to better performance outcomes across UK industries.
  • Better retention — UK workforce studies show training reduces turnover and increases staff loyalty.
  • More confidence and competence — employees learn faster and with fewer errors.
  • Stronger organisational resilience — well-trained teams cope better with change.

Key Principles

Principle 1 – Clarity and Simplicity

Managers must break information into simple, teachable steps. This includes demonstrating tasks clearly and checking understanding.

Principle 2 – Coaching and Feedback

Effective training isn't just telling someone how to do something — it involves observing, guiding, correcting, and reinforcing good practice.

Principle 3 – Consistency and Standards

To reduce errors and improve quality, managers must deliver training using a structured method and therefore ensuring every team member receives the same standard.

How to Get Started

  1. Provide managers with a structured Train the Trainer programme.
    This gives them the tools, methods, and confidence to train effectively.
  2. Embed training into everyday work.
    Encourage managers to coach and review performance regularly.
  3. Protect time for learning.
    Training must be prioritised, not squeezed in when convenient.
  4. Measure improvements.
    Track productivity, quality, retention, and employee confidence.

Where Our Courses Fit In

Target Training’s Train the Trainer programmes give managers the structure, clarity and confidence to train people effectively. We use proven, practical methods like our enabling managers to deliver training that boosts performance and reduces inconsistency.

Whether you are a supervisor, team leader, or senior manager, our programmes help you build a high-performing workforce — one strong training session at a time.

Explore our full range here.

FAQs

Do managers need previous training experience?
No — our courses are designed for complete beginners as well as experienced leaders.

Is it worth investing in manager-led training?
Yes. UK research shows that training is one of the most effective drivers of productivity and retention.

What industries benefit most?
Technical, operational, manufacturing, utilities, healthcare, and service sectors all rely heavily on on-the-job training.

Ready to equip your managers with the skills to train and develop their teams?

Explore our Train the Trainer Courses and build a stronger, more capable workforce.