Building an effective training program for new hires is essential for their success and your organization’s growth. The challenge? Choosing the right tools and resources to meet your needs. With countless platforms and technologies available, narrowing your options can feel overwhelming. But by identifying your specific goals, you can create a program that equips new hires with the skills and knowledge to thrive.
This guide will walk you through the steps to evaluate pre-built training platforms, custom content creation tools, and learning management systems (LMS), complete with practical charts and actionable insights.
Understand Your New Hire Training Needs #
New hire training isn’t one-size-fits-all. To select the right tools, you need to identify the types of training your employees require.
- Compliance Training: Covers essential laws, regulations, and workplace policies to reduce risk and ensure ethical operations.
- Role-Specific Skills: Focuses on technical and soft skills tailored to an employee’s job responsibilities.
- Product or Service Knowledge: Equips employees with an understanding of your offerings, enabling them to represent your brand effectively.
- Cultural Orientation: Introduces new hires to your values, mission, and workplace expectations, fostering alignment.
- Soft Skills Development: Helps build communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
- Technology Training: Familiarizes employees with the tools and systems they’ll use daily.
By identifying your organization’s specific needs, you can determine whether pre-built courses, custom materials, or a mix of both will be most effective.
Pre-Built e-Learning Content #
Pre-built platforms offer quick, scalable training solutions for common needs. Here’s a chart of top platforms and their strengths:
| Tool Type | Platforms | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Training | Coursera LinkedIn Learning Udemy | Professional development and skill-building | Wide range of topics; Certifications; Flexible learning paths. |
| Compliance Training | 360training EasyLlama SafetySkills Compliancy Group (healthcare) | Regulatory and safety compliance | Self-paced courses; Industry-specific content; Certification upon completion. |
| Soft Skills & Leadership Development | Skillsoft Mind Tools BetterUp | Leadership, communication, and collaboration | Expert-led content; Interactive modules; Progress tracking. |
| Technical Skills | Pluralsight Codecademy DataCamp | IT, coding, data science, AI, and analytics training | Skill assessments; Personalized learning paths; In-demand tech skills focus. |
| Inclusive Workplaces | Paradigm IQ Udemy for Business LinkedIn Learning | Building inclusive workplace environments | Unconscious bias training; Cultural awareness modules; Expert-developed content. |
When to Use Pre-Built Courses #
Pre-built courses are ready-made and designed to address common training topics. They are ideal when:
- You need standardized training for compliance, professional skills, or foundational topics.
- Speed is a priority, and you want to deploy resources immediately.
- Your budget is limited, as pre-built platforms are typically cost-effective.
- Expertise matters, with industry leaders designing the content.
Custom Content Creation Tools #
For tailored solutions, custom content tools provide flexibility and control over training design. Here’s a breakdown of tools that help you build courses from scratch:
| Tool Type | Platforms | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Builders | Rise.com Articulate 360 360 Learning | Building interactive learning paths | Customizable templates; Mobile-friendly design; Assessment creation tools. |
| Screen Recording | Loom ScreenPal | Documenting processes and creating tutorials | Screen recording; Video editing |
| Video Creation | Synthesia Powtoon HourOne | Personalized and dynamic content creation | Text-to-video AI; Animations; Explainer videos; Virtual avatars |
| Document Creation | Scribe Microsoft Office Google Docs | Developing written guides and procedures | Step-by-step instructions; Collaboration features; Templates for consistency. |
| Visual Design | Canva Draw.io Miro | Creating infographics and flowcharts | Real-time collaboration; Brand customization; Pre-designed templates. |
| Gamification and Microlearning | Safety Culture Training Gamelearn | Enhancing engagement through interactive learning | Editable courses; Gamified modules; Rewards systems; Leaderboards and progress tracking. |
When to Create Custom Materials #
Custom training materials provide tailored content specific to your organization. These are best for:
- Unique processes or proprietary tools that generic courses won’t cover.
- Cultural alignment, ensuring that training reflects your organization’s values and mission.
- Advanced or niche skills required by your industry or team.
- Scalable content that can be updated and reused over time.
How to Choose Between Pre-Built and Custom Tools #
The best training programs often use a blend of pre-built and custom tools. To decide what’s right for your organization:
- Pre-Built Tools: Perfect for general compliance training, professional development, and broad skill-building.
- Custom Tools: Essential for company-specific workflows, proprietary tools, or highly specialized skills.
- Combine Both: Use pre-built platforms for foundational topics and custom tools to reflect your company’s culture and unique processes.
Learning Management Systems (LMS) for Tracking New Hire Training #
An LMS helps you manage, deliver, and track training effectively. Whether you’re using pre-built courses or custom materials, an LMS ensures organization and scalability.
| LMS Platform | URL | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| TalentLMS | talentlms.com | Small to medium-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use LMS | Pre-built course library; Custom course creation; Gamification; Reporting tools. |
| Docebo | docebo.com | AI-driven personalized learning paths | AI-powered content recommendations; Compliance tracking; Robust analytics. |
| Litmos | litmos.com | Enterprises needing integrated training and tracking | Pre-built and custom course compatibility; Automation; Integration with CRM and ERP tools. |
| Cornerstone OnDemand | cornerstoneondemand.com | Large organizations with diverse training needs | Compliance and certification tracking; Customizable dashboards; Integration with HR systems. |
| Absorb LMS | absorblms.com | Scalable training for growing businesses | Flexible course creation; Pre-built course marketplace; Advanced reporting tools. |
| LearnUpon | learnupon.com | Businesses needing centralized employee training management | Multi-tenant portal for different teams; SCORM compliance; Easy-to-use interface. |
| Moodle | moodle.org | Open-source LMS for highly customized solutions | Flexible and free; Customizable plugins and themes; Collaboration tools. |
| TalentCards | talentcards.com | Mobile-first microlearning for deskless workers | Mobile-friendly design; Gamified learning cards; Instant feedback. |
Final Thoughts #
Choosing the right tools for new hire training depends on your organization’s needs, scale, and budget. Pre-built platforms offer quick solutions for general training, while custom content tools provide flexibility for unique requirements. Combine these with an LMS for streamlined management and tracking. By strategically blending these resources, you can create a robust, scalable, and engaging training program that supports new hires from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions #
New Hire Training Platforms #
- What is SCORM compliance, and why does it matter?
SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is a set of standards for eLearning software. Platforms and tools that are SCORM-compliant (e.g., LearnUpon, iSpring Suite) ensure your content is compatible with most LMSs, making it easier to distribute and track.
- Can I combine pre-built courses with custom content?
Yes! A blended approach works best for most organizations. For example:
– Use pre-built platforms like 360training for compliance.
– Develop custom videos with Synthesia for company-specific processes.
– Track everything in an LMS like Absorb LMS or SAP Litmos. - How can AI enhance my new hire training program?
AI-powered tools can:
– Personalize learning paths based on individual needs (e.g., Docebo).
– Generate video content with minimal effort (e.g., Hour One).
– Offer real-time support through AI chatbots (e.g., Talla).
– Provide predictive analytics to refine training strategies. - What is an LMS, and why do I need one?
A Learning Management System (LMS) is software that helps you manage, deliver, and track employee training. LMS platforms like TalentLMS and Cornerstone OnDemand provide:Centralized storage for training materials.Progress tracking and reporting.Integration with pre-built or custom content.
- What are the benefits of pre-built training platforms?
Pre-built platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer:Ready-made, expert-created courses.Quick deployment for onboarding.Cost-effective solutions for standardized training needs.Access to certifications and recognized credentials.
- How do I decide between pre-built courses and custom content?
- Use pre-built courses for general topics like compliance, soft skills, and technical skills that are not unique to your organization.
- Create custom content when you need to train employees on company-specific workflows, proprietary tools, or cultural values.
- Why is it important to use the right tools for new hire training?
Using the right tools ensures your training program is effective, scalable, and engaging. The right platforms and resources can help new hires quickly adapt to their roles, align with your organization’s culture, and contribute to your business goals.
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