Written by: Vickie Sullivan  |  March 15, 2022

Corporate Training Trends to Keep an Eye On

For many of us, larger contracts that include corporate training are a big percentage of our revenue. So, it’s worth looking at the findings in Training Magazine’s new State of the Training Industry report.

While the report has a lot of data comparing what happened with corporate training in 2020 and 2021, I’m more interested in what’s ahead. Here are some key findings we need to consider:

• Average 2021 training budgets show a big gap between large companies ($17.5 million) and midsize companies ($1.3 million). Small companies average $341,000. That rift will not close this year. Those in the latter two markets need to adjust their fee expectations accordingly.
• The highest priority for 2022 is to increase the effectiveness of training: learner usage, measuring impact, etc. Make sure to include this concern in your sales conversations.
• The new money is moving to management/supervisory training, opening opportunities for those who work with the C-suite. High potentials are still front and center, though, at 25%. A close third is interpersonal skills at 23%. The money is there to change behavior and adapt the culture.
• COVID didn’t kill classroom training. Most respondents (56%) plan to return to classroom training this year, but they will keep some remote learning. Only 8% said they will “return to classroom training as usual.”
• While 62% outsource some instruction and facilitation, the level of outsourcing will be steady for 2022, as 87% expect to stay the same. For this year, small and midsized companies say they’ll do more inhouse training.

Listen: Two Things to Consider Before Going After Big Training Contracts  

Finally, a reality check: 2021 spending on outside instructors and consultants declined 22%. So, stop beating yourself up for not getting that deal last year. And adjust the narrative to, “Yay, I survived! What’s next?!” Check out these trends and proceed accordingly.

Now Read This:

• Take Advantage of these New Training Trends
• Strategic Sounding Boards Give Real-World Advice for When the Rubber Meets the Road