Needs Analysis

A needs analysis should be the first phase of any learning program to ensure that the design and content meets the requirements of the potential learners. While the importance is often overlooked, time spent here can save time redeveloping all or part of the course at a later stage. (Genc & Kocdar, 2020; Mavroudi & Hadzilacos, 2013; Sahin & Yurdugul, 2022; Serafini et al., 2015).

As this is a TAFE VET program, learning objectives in the form of performance criteria and knowledge are provided in the Unit of Competency Details.    

For this report, the learner needs analysis will focus on trainees, who are completing their qualification in the workplace supported by their employers.

Image by Enhialus from Pixabay

The Trainees

Demographics

Trainees are employed under a trainee contract, which is usually for 12 months. There is no guarantee of employment once the trainee contract has ended.

Most of the trainees that our Department takes care of are studying Certificate III in Business (BSB30120), which is the course that I am concentrating on. As trainees are enrolled, they are allocated one of our trainers to work with them for the duration of their course, including site visits and/or Zoom sessions. Trainees are located all over Victoria.

• Over 90% of trainees at this level are female
• 50% have birth years from 2000 - 2003
• Almost 40% have birth years from 1995 - 1999
• Almost 80% have year 12 or equivalent (Senior VCAL)

Needs

For this report, the needs of the trainees have been based around personal experience and observation. Trainees are supposed to be allocated 3 hours per week for their coursework, but many are in front line positions such as reception and have difficulty getting 3 contiguous hours. 

• Resources available in different formats
• Resources broken down into smaller learning modules to suit different time allocations
• Ability to access resources and trainer via a "portal"
• Ability to upload assessments via the same "portal"
• Smaller assessments throughout the learning
• Ability to discuss or share information with other learners
• Something that makes the learning more engaging
• Something that makes the learning relevant for their workplace
• Assessment tracking
• so trainees can see what they have submitted
• So that trainees can see any feedback from their trainer
• So that trainees can see what needs to be resubmitted
• So that trainees can see what else they need to do to complete the unit

The Trainers

Needs

Many of the trainers find the current system frustrating. It is easy to lose assessments within our email system and for trainer that are part time, catching up can take a few hours of sifting through Outlook. Meeting the needs of the trainees will also make things easier for their trainers. 

• Assessments centrally located and easily accessed
• Ability to check engagement of learners through LMS reports
• Ability to provide assessment feedback easily 
• Ability to "share" trainees when the allocated trainer is not available
• Ability to communicate easily with trainees
• Ability to see at a glance how a trainee is going with each unit