Is Training Really the Issue of the Nonconformance?
Hey there CAPA Pros!
I’m so glad you’re here this week! Today, we’re tackling a question I know a lot of you wonder about (but don’t always feel comfortable asking). Let’s talk about how we really know if training is to blame for a quality issue—or if we can confidently rule it out. And spoiler alert: it’s not always as simple as checking an attendance sheet!
Picture This Scenario:
The Supervisor held a short 15-minute training session on a new process. Everyone was there, the attendance sheet is filled out—great, right? Then, a couple of months later, a problem pops up in that exact area.
So you check: “Did everyone attend the training?” Yes. Does that mean training wasn’t the issue?
Or let’s put it another way: if everyone sat in that room (or watched that video), does it automatically mean they really understood the material? Can we say with total confidence that the problem isn’t due to training?
What That Roster Doesn’t Tell You
An attendance list might show you who was there, but here’s what it doesn’t tell you:
Understanding: Just because someone was there doesn’t mean they actually got it. We’ve all been in a training session where our minds wandered, right?
Ability to Apply It: Being trained and being able to use that training are two different things. Did the session give people the confidence to handle real-life situations?
Memory Over Time: It’s human nature—we forget things! If we don’t practice a new skill soon after learning it, we lose it pretty quickly. Two months later, can we expect them to remember everything perfectly?
So How Do We REALLY Know if Training Wasn’t the Problem?
If we’re going to rule out training as the cause of an issue, we need to look a bit deeper. Here’s how to make sure you’re covering all the bases:
Check for Understanding: Right after the training, try a quick quiz, practice, or hands-on activity. This helps you see if people truly understand what you taught.
Follow Up After a Few Weeks: A month or two later, see if they’re still able to apply what they learned. A refresher or follow-up session can be incredibly helpful here.
Ask for Feedback: The people who went through the training have the best insights. Did they feel confident afterward? Did they have any questions that went unanswered? Getting this feedback can be eye-opening!
Observe in Action: Watch how the team actually uses the training on the job. Are they following the process with ease, or does it seem like there’s confusion?
What to Do Next Time You’re Reviewing Training as a Root Cause
So next time you’re faced with a non-conformance and need to figure out if training is part of the problem, think beyond that attendance list. Dig a little deeper to find out if the training truly clicked with your team and if they can confidently put it into action.
If the answer is “yes”—fantastic! You can rule out training with confidence. But if you see gaps, you’ll know exactly where to start making improvements.
Let’s Make Every Training Count!
Don’t let an attendance sheet have the last word. When we focus on making sure training really sticks, we’re building stronger, smarter teams.
So tell me, do you think it’s time to start looking beyond the roster? 😊
And remember, if you’re not sure where to start or you have questions about this process, I’m here to help!
Laisa D.
