Course framework: planning, running, and closing your training programme
This section helps you organise your course from start to finish, covering essential admin, day-to-day delivery, assessments, and how to close the programme in a meaningful way. It’s designed to give structure to your course while leaving space to adapt to your team, students, and context.
Start-up phase
This is where you lay the foundations for a well-organised, safe, and welcoming course.
Admin and registration
- Registration form – Collect student information, contact details, and any relevant background info.
- Liability and emergency contact form – Make sure students understand safety responsibilities and provide emergency contact info in case of accidents or illness.
Facility orientation
- Tour of the facility – Introduce students to classrooms, workshops, toilets, kitchens, and safe areas.
- Site rules – Explain expectations around behaviour, punctuality, safety, and shared spaces.
Health and safety
- Hold a session to explain:
- Key safety principles in the workshop and classroom
- What PPE is required and how to use it
- Where to find first aid kits and emergency exits
- What to do in case of an accident
Introduction session
- Course overview – Explain the course aims, what topics will be covered, and how assessments work.
- Icebreakers – Get everyone comfortable and build trust early on.
- Surveys – Use a baseline survey to understand students’ knowledge, interests, and motivations.
- Class rules / life skills – Co-create a shared set of class rules. You could also introduce soft skill topics like respect, collaboration, and timekeeping.
- Equipment checklist – Go through what students will need (e.g. notebooks, PPE, any digital tools or apps if used).
Running the course
Keep things organised and responsive throughout delivery.
Learning and teaching
- Assessments – Build in short quizzes or checks for understanding throughout the course.
- Student projects – Encourage individual or group projects to apply learning to real-life ideas.
- Energy levels – Monitor how students are doing. If attention drops, use:
- Energisers – Quick games or physical activities to re-focus.
- Team-building – Activities to strengthen group dynamics.
Feedback and communication
- Student feedback – Regularly ask how things are going and what could improve.
- Trainer check-ins – Keep communication open between trainers and support staff.
- Training and attachment link – If students will move on to internships or placements, introduce this connection early so it’s part of their learning journey.
End of course
End your course with structure and celebration.
Exams and assessment
- Theory exams – Use a mix of multiple choice and open-ended questions. Select from the theory exam toolbox.
- Practical exams – Choose tasks based on what students have practised. Use the practical exam toolbox and scoring sheets.
- Customise exams – Tailor your assessments to the students’ learning level and local context.
Certification and event
- Certificates – Provide students with completion certificates (if applicable).
- Final event – Celebrate achievements with a presentation, exhibition, or demonstration of projects.
- Student evaluation – Ask students to complete a final feedback form to learn what went well and what to improve.
