Making Training Stick

Mentorship Programs and Trainee-Led Training The most effective training ecosystems don't end when the formal session concludes — they create ongoing learning relationships that continue to develop over time. Two powerful strategies for extending training are mentorship programs and having trainees train others. Mentorship Programs A well-structured mentorship program pairs learners with experienced colleagues who can guide their development over an extended period. To build an effective program: **Draw from your existing talent pool** — identify subject-matter experts within your organisation who are willing to mentor. **Formalise the relationship** — set regular meeting schedules, group mentor sessions, and clear expectations for both mentor and mentee. **Give it time** — mentoring relationships are most valuable when they are sustained over weeks and months, not just a single conversation. Mentorship is especially valuable for inexperienced employees in large organisations who may not know where to turn for guidance. When these relationships are nurtured well, they produce confident, competent professionals. Trainee Trains Others Another highly effective strategy is to have recently trained employees mentor or teach their peers. This approach differs from traditional mentorship in that: The mentor is a **recent learner**, not a long-time expert — making the relationship feel more like peer support. The comfort level between parties is often **higher**, as both share a similar level of experience. Research shows