Sumalatha M: Implementing a Learner-centric Training Approach

Sumalatha M
Sumalatha M

A Training Support Manager plays a crucial role within an organization is overseeing the development, implementation and evaluation of training programs. This position ensures that training initiatives align with organizational goals and meet employee learning needs. From a leadership perspective, the role fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development. Empowering employees through targeted training enhances individual skills and drives overall organizational success.

Sumalatha M, the Training Support Manager at iTAS, employs a variety of strategies to optimize training effectiveness. She maintains a learner-centric focus, tailoring programs to accommodate the diverse needs and learning styles of employees.

Another essential strategy is building collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders, which ensures that training remains relevant and aligned with current market demands. She also adopts data-driven decision-making practices, utilizing feedback to assess and refine training initiatives.

To further enhance the impact of training programs, she leverages technology integration, utilizing digital tools and platforms to provide engaging and flexible learning options. Her commitment to continuous improvement involves regular evaluations of training programs and offering professional development resources for trainers to keep them informed about the latest trends and methodologies.

Build Skills for Career Advancement

Over the past nine years in the sector, Sumalatha has centred her career on helping individuals build their skills and advance their careers. Her journey began as a counsellor, where she advised clients on skill development courses in analytics and reporting and assisted them in crafting long-term career development plans.

As Sumalatha extended her understanding of the industry and the evolving demands of the job market, She found herself drawn to the more strategic side of training.

Three years ago, she transitioned to the role of Training Support Manager at iTAS, where she now oversees the management and delivery of training programs. This role allows Sumalatha to combine her passion for education with her desire to help others achieve their career goals.

Exploring Diverse Learning Methods in Education

Inclusivity is at the core of the training programs managed by Sumalatha. She prioritizes staying updated with current job market trends and emerging career opportunities, ensuring that the programs align with industry demands and remain accessible to all learners. By offering a range of delivery methods—online, hybrid and offline—Sumalatha caters to different learning preferences and life situations.

She ensures that the prerequisites and required knowledge for each course are communicated, allowing learners from all backgrounds to prepare adequately. She also continuously collects and analyzes feedback from participants, which aids in refining the programs to better serve diverse requirements.

Enhancing Learning through Participant Insights

Feedback is a critical component of the programs managed by Sumalatha. She actively collects feedback from participants at various stages of the training process and uses this information to make necessary adjustments to course content, delivery methods and resources.

Sumalatha takes references and testimonials seriously, as they provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the training. By maintaining an open line of communication with learners, she ensures that their voices are heard and their choices are respected, leading to a more tailored and impactful learning experience.

The Value of Industry Engagement

Building strong relationships with industry partners is essential for Sumalatha to keep the training programs relevant and aligned with real-world demands. She actively engages with industry experts and organizations to understand emerging trends and skill requirements.

This collaboration enables her to update training materials and resources to reflect the latest industry standards. These partnerships often lead to guest lectures, workshops and virtual internships, which provide learners with practical insights and hands-on experience, thereby enhancing the value of the programs.

Implementing Effective Workshops for Trainers

Supporting the professional development of trainers is a priority for Sumalatha. She ensures that they have access to the latest industry trends, tools and technologies, enabling them to stay at the forefront of their fields.

Regular workshops, certifications and continuous learning opportunities are provided to help trainers refine their skills and deliver high-quality training sessions. By developing an environment of continuous improvement, Sumalatha helps trainers grow professionally, which in turn enhances the learning experience for students.

Implementing Hybrid Learning Models Effectively

Technology plays a pivotal role in the training programs managed by Sumalatha. She employs a variety of digital tools to deliver content in engaging and accessible ways, whether through online courses, hybrid models, or interactive platforms.

Sumalatha ensures that all training materials are up-to-date and relevant, utilizing the latest software and tools in the industry. Technology enables her to offer flexible learning options, such as recorded sessions and self-paced modules, which cater to the diverse needs of learners.

Building a Framework for Continuous Learner Improvement

To assess and improve learner performance, Sumalatha employs a combination of exams, projects and continuous assessments throughout the course. She ensures that assessment criteria are communicated at the beginning of each course, allowing learners to understand the expectations and prepare for success.

Sumalatha also monitors progress through regular check-ins and feedback sessions, which facilitate timely intervention when needed. Post-course evaluations and feedback collection help identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the training programs continuously advance to meet the highest standards.

Providing Constructive Feedback for Growth

Creating a supportive environment is crucial for Sumalatha to encourage learners to take risks and embrace failure as part of the learning process. She makes it clear from the outset that mistakes are a natural part of growth and that the training environment is a safe space for experimentation.

By providing constructive feedback and offering additional resources when challenges arise, Sumalatha helps learners turn their failures into valuable learning experiences. This approach builds their confidence and equips them with the resilience needed to navigate their future careers.

A Vision for Tomorrow’s Training Programs

Sumalatha’s vision for the future is to continue expanding the reach and impact of the training programs, making them more accessible and relevant to a broader audience. She aspires to integrate more advanced technologies into the offerings, such as AI-driven learning tools and personalized learning pathways, to enhance the effectiveness of the training.

Sumalatha aims to strengthen partnerships with industry leaders to provide more hands-on experiences and opportunities for learners. Her goal is to ensure that the programs not only equip individuals with the skills they need but also inspire them to continuously learn and grow throughout their careers.

Sumalatha envisions a future where training programs are effective and transformative, developing an adaptive learning environment that meets the evolving requirements of employees.