Why Poor Training Costs Organisations More Than They Realise

Most organisations invest in training with good intentions. They want people to perform better, feel more confident and deliver stronger results. Yet many training sessions fail to achieve this. Poor training often looks harmless on the surface, but beneath it sits a significant cost to productivity, morale and revenue.

Train the Trainer is important because it helps organisations avoid these hidden costs and create training that genuinely supports performance.

Key Takeaways From This Blog

• Why poor training creates long term business costs
• How disengaged learners affect productivity and morale
• How Train the Trainer skills protect performance and revenue

What Do We Mean by Poor Training

Poor training is not always obvious. It often looks like people sitting quietly, slides being read aloud and sessions being delivered because they have always been done that way. Learners attend because they have to, not because they want to. They leave with notes, but little confidence in what to do next.

A common example is what many people describe as death by PowerPoint. Information is delivered, but learning does not happen. Skills are not transferred and performance does not improve.

Why This Matters

When training does not work, the impact spreads far beyond the training room. People make mistakes, feel frustrated and lose confidence. Managers become disappointed when performance does not improve. Over time, this leads to disengagement, high turnover and lost revenue.

Common Challenges

• Very low engagement and lack of interest in training
• Learners attending because they are told to, not because they see value
• People leaving training unable to do what their role requires
• Reduced productivity due to mistakes and uncertainty
• Increased staff turnover and lower morale
• Training viewed as boring and ineffective

What Improves When Training Is Done Well

When training is delivered by confident, skilled trainers, the difference is clear. Learners feel involved and respected. They understand what is expected of them and how to do it well. Productivity improves because people feel capable. Morale rises because training supports growth rather than adding pressure.

Good training protects organisations from wasted time, wasted money and wasted potential.

Key Principles That Reduce the Cost of Poor Training

Engagement
Engaged learners are more focused and more motivated. When people are involved, learning becomes meaningful and memorable.

Clarity
Clear explanations reduce mistakes. When people understand what to do and why, confidence and performance improve.

Application
Training must lead to action. When learners practise and apply skills, organisations see real return on their investment.

How to Get Started

1. Review recent training and ask whether people can actually apply what they learned.
2. Identify who delivers training and assess whether they have been taught how to train.
3. Invest in Train the Trainer skills that focus on engagement, clarity and workplace application.

Where Our Train the Trainer Courses Fit In

At Target Training Associates, we regularly work with organisations who are frustrated by training that does not deliver results. Our Train the Trainer courses focus on building confident trainers who can engage learners, explain ideas clearly and ensure skills transfer into the workplace.

We do not believe in one off training events. Through our Train the Trainer Academy, delegates receive ongoing support, access to a video learning hub, community calls and continued guidance. This ensures training skills continue to grow and deliver value long after the course ends.

FAQs

Why do people disengage during training
Usually because the session does not involve them or feel relevant to their role.

Is poor training really that expensive
Yes. The cost shows up in mistakes, low morale, reduced productivity and staff turnover.

Can Train the Trainer help experienced trainers too
Absolutely. Even experienced trainers benefit from refining engagement, structure and application skills.

Final Thoughts

If you want training that delivers confident people, real skills and lasting impact, explore our Train the Trainer courses at Target Training Associates or get in touch to discuss your needs by calling out team on 0800 302 9344 or email info@targettrg.co.uk.