Elsie Rodas

19-02-2025

Image by ASphotostudio via Envato Elements

A step-by-step guide to conducting a training needs analysis for organisational growth

A well-executed training needs analysis (TNA) is the cornerstone of a successful learning and development (L&D) strategy. Without it, organisations risk misallocating training resources, neglecting critical skill gaps, and failing to meet compliance requirements - all of which can hinder operational success.

Whether you’re a training manager, HR professional, or business leader, conducting a structured TNA ensures that your workforce receives the right training to drive business performance, support career growth, and maintain regulatory compliance.

In this blog, Elsie Rodas explores the fundamentals of training needs analysis, its importance in driving business success, and a six-step process to conduct an effective TNA. It also provides practical insights for HR, L&D professionals, and business leaders to optimise training strategies.

What is a TNA?

A TNA is a structured approach to identifying skills gaps, assessing workforce training priorities, and aligning learning interventions with business objectives.

A well-structured TNA helps organisations:

• Align training with business goals - Ensuring training investments contribute to productivity, compliance, and long-term growth.
• Improve workforce competency and compliance - Identifying gaps in technical skills, leadership development, and industry-specific training needs.
• Maximise return on investment (ROI) - Reducing unnecessary training and focusing on high-impact learning interventions.
• Enhance employee engagement and retention - Helping employees grow professionally while supporting workforce career development.

Read more about training needs analysis here.

The six steps to conducting an effective training needs analysis

A well-executed TNA ensures that training efforts align with business goals, address workforce gaps, and enhance employee performance. Below are six key steps to developing a structured and results-driven training strategy:

Additional insights for L&D, HR Professionals, and business leaders

To optimise workforce training and development:

• Leverage data-driven decision-making - Use analytics from LMS/TMS platforms to optimise learning interventions.
• Make training continuous, not one-off - Embed training into daily workflows for long-term impact.
• Secure leadership buy-in - Align training initiatives with business objectives to gain executive support.
• Personalise learning experiences - Adapt training pathways to individual career development goals.
• Ensure scalability - Use digital learning platforms like ComplyPlus™ to standardise training across multiple locations and teams.

Final thoughts: Why training needs analysis is critical for organisational success

A structured TNA is essential for:

• Closing skills gaps and improving workforce competency
• Ensuring compliance with industry regulations
• Maximising training ROI and optimising learning budgets
• Driving employee engagement, productivity, and career development.

Through ComplyPlus™, our learning and training management system, we help businesses:

• Automate training management and compliance tracking
• Deliver engaging digital, blended, and face-to-face training solutions
• Provide real-time reporting and analytics for workforce development.

Take the next step in workforce development with ComplyPlus™

At The Mandatory Training Group, we have worked with thousands of organisations across health and social care, retail, corporate, and technical sectors to design and implement high-impact in-house training strategies. Through ComplyPlus™, organisations can streamline training management, track compliance, and optimise workforce development. Fill in this form or contact us at +44 24 7610 0090 and streamline your training needs effectively.