Training Matrix, what you need to know.

Training Matrix, what you need to know.

What is a Training Matrix?

A business most often uses a spreadsheet or similar visual display as a training matrix. This spreadsheet usually lists certificates and training records for employees.

A training matrix tracks the competency levels of each employee, each employee’s development and training. It ensures they have the proper training and certification to perform a certain task. It helps you to analyze the gaps in actual knowledge compared to the required knowledge.

Why use a Training Matrix?

A training matrix is a display of each employee’s skill level showing where they are needing improvement or further training.

With the use of an employee training matrix, you are able to see not only who possesses certain skills and certifications, but also how long they have had them. Even further when they will need to renew their training.

Due to this feature, you are able to create a more efficient plan placing the most competent and experienced workers where they fit best. Not only does the matrix notify you when someone’s certification will expire, but also all other certifications they have.

This creates an online filing cabinet of all employees in case of an audit with everything is in one place. Thus proof of training can be presented at any time.

Features to Include

• Custom reports are useful because a manufacturing training matrix often needs several different certifications that not all employees will have. Creating custom reports that pertain to each employee’s tasks so there is no room for mistakes or chance of unsafe work. 
• Automated reminders: Notifications are created for re-certification dates and other important dates/ specialized tasks. 
• Organize staff: Manage your employee training matrix by job location, job requirements and position (the more subdivisions the better, makes it easier to see who possesses what knowledge and is able to do a certain task).

Benefits of a smart Training Matrix

• Helps to track trends by tracking staff training and efficiency, which helps to view areas for improvement.
• Keeps a historical archive. All past and present documents can be updated as things change and easily accessed in the case of an audit.
• Creates a single source for all documents. All certificates and documents are in organized folders stored on a cloud server, accessible from any location.

Types of Matrices

1. Skills-training matrix: Displays staff members skills and certifications along with expiration dates. 
2. Cross-training matrix is most often in industrial and manufacturing settings (a manufacturing training matrix is often more in-depth). It helps in businesses where employees often perform tasks outside their specified roles. This matrix ensures at least 1 person has the skills to perform any task in the process at all times during production.