Training needs assessment: Basis for the development of training programs for employees in a public higher institution

Background@#This research assesses the training needs of employees at the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) to prepare a comprehensive plan and program intervention for the 2023 training calendar.@*Objectives@#This study specifically examines the reaction of the employees to the training program (Level 1), changes in the level of learning (Level 2), and transfer of training in the workplace or behavioral changes (Level 3). This TNA survey is essential to identify skill gaps, set priorities, and tailor training programs suitable to the needs of UPM employees.@*Methodology@#The study employed a quantitative survey method in assessing employees’ needs across different colleges, units, and offices using a training needs assessment (TNA) survey. A total of 382 employees were surveyed regarding their needs to enhance their core, technical, leadership, and job-specific competencies.@*Results@#Results showed that based on the varying degree of necessity, all the training programs in the training needs assessment survey were considered needed by the employees. Twelve training programs were proposed in the 2023 training calendar as a result of this TNA including three programs for improving core competencies, four programs for technical competencies, two programs for leadership competencies, and three programs for job-specific competencies. Specifically, the training focus on Stress Management, Handling Complaints and Grievances, and Safety and Emergency for core competency; Written and Spoken Communication, Google Workspace/Microsoft Office Applications, Data/Records Management for technical competency; Succession Planning and Managing People for leadership competency; and Procurement, Research Skills, and Creative Design Training for job-specific competency.@*Conclusion@#The Training Needs Assessment conducted at the University of the Philippines Manila revealed crucial areas where tailored training programs can play a transformative role in boosting workforce competence and effectiveness. The findings highlight the importance of training in areas such as stress management, decision-making, safety protocols, ethical leadership, and conflict resolution.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of written communication training of a public higher education institution using the Kirkpatrick model

BACKGROUND@#This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the “Effective Written Communication Training” provided among 16 UP Manila administrative employees following Kirkpatrick's training evaluation model.@*OBJECTIVES@#This study specifically examines the reaction of the employees to the training program (Level 1), changes in the level of learning (Level 2), and transfer of training in the workplace or behavioral changes (Level 3).@*METHODOLOGY@#The study used a cross-sectional design, and the primary data was collected through survey questionnaires, a pretest, and a posttest. For the Level 1 evaluation, a training assessment survey was given to the participants. For the Level 2 evaluation, tests were given to the participants before and after the conduct of the training program. For the Level 3 evaluation, a survey questionnaire was given to the participants and their immediate supervisor five months after the end of the training.@*RESULTS@#The Level 1 results showed that the participants' overall reaction to the training was Excellent in terms of training design, facilitation, resource speaker/facilitator, and overall experience. For the Level 2 evaluation, results showed that there is a significant change (t(15)=11.32, ρ<0.05) in the participants' learning about written communication, as shown in the difference between the pretest (M=16.56, SD=3.01) and posttest scores (M=20.25, SD=2.49). Results of the Level 3 evaluation showed that written communication competencies have been applied to the workplace. Employees confidently compose written correspondences, construct formal and official letters, and relay queries using a more appropriate choice of words, which the participants' supervisors also observed.@*CONCLUSION@#Overall, the training program was found to be effective in improving the participants' written communication skills, following Kirkpatrick's training evaluation model.