Not all companies that offer EH&S training services (and therefore not all trainers) are created equal. There is a wide range of quality out there and shopping by price or not checking references and qualifications can result in a nasty surprise. Lets face it, training is an investment in time and dollars and you want a return. Many savvy managers are auditioning potential trainers before hiring them, or at least diligently checking references. It takes more than knowledge of a given subject to deliver effective training.
Beware of companies offering OSHA Certified training. There is no such thing. For certain, OSHA Outreach Programs OSHA does permit Authorized Providers to deliver approved curriculum and they have been cracking down on those making false claims as the following statement reveals:
"The use of independent trainers has allowed OSHA to significantly extend its training capabilities," said Jordan Barab, acting assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. "But OSHA will not tolerate fraudulent activity or unscrupulous trainers when workers' health and lives may be at stake."
Authorized Providers must attend OSHA Trainer training, adhere to rigorous standards, and are subject to unannounced audits by OSHA at any time.
Credentials and certifications are great and provide a way to verify competency in particular fields, but real-world experience should not be overlooked. For example, its one thing to talk about a confined space, its quite another to be in one! Field experience enables a trainer to put the material in perspective and helps students make the connection between theory and practice.
Do your trainers have the field experience to make this happen? Does the training company have the project experience as it relates to your field of endeavor? Ask these questions before you make your decision and your dollars will go a lot further and you job will be a lot easier.