A Peek into the New PSMB Trainers’ Development Framework

On 18th September 2019, located at Wisma HRDF, team AIM was given the opportunity to get the latest insights on the implementation of PSMB’s new framework for trainers’ development.

To set the tone right, Mr. Soffian explained the reasons behind the new framework’s introduction. Two (2) main issues that have been brewing over the years was:

1. Standardisation of Train the Trainer courses

2. Trainers being certified for life

It is well-known that the quality of TTT delivery varies from one TP to another and from one Master Trainer to another. This is due to the fact that all trainers have their own strengths and each TP emphasising on different areas of training within the given curriculum structure. With the introduction of the new framework, all TPs and Master Trainers who offer Train the Trainer programme will be re-evaluated by a new set of requirements. Qualified TPs and Master Trainers will be able to run TTT programmes from January 1st, 2020 with a valid contract for 3 years. Performance-based criteria will then determine which TPs and Master Trainers will continue beyond the contract expiratory.

To counter the issue of trainers being certified for life, starting from January 1st, 2020, there will no longer be an automatic pathway for trainers who completed TTT and those who are exempted, to be given the “PSMB Certified Trainer” status.

Currently, potential trainers have two (2) options to be given the “PSMB Certified Trainer” status which enables their client to claim training expenses from HRDF. The first option is to attend the 5 days Train the Trainer programme (with the in-programme assessment). Or, those who qualifies for the TTT exemption requirements by certification, qualification and experience criteria.

Moving forward, a new potential trainer from January 1st, 2020, either by going through the 5 days TTT programme or by fulfilling the TTT exemption criteria will need to go for a separate assessment process before earning the “PSMB Certified Trainer” status.

An additional pre-requisite will also be added: Trainer must EITHER has a skill/academic qualification (Level 3 and higher) or have at least 3 years of working experience.

The assessment process will be in two (2) phases.

Phase 1 by PSMB, to evaluate the trainer’s ability to demonstrate competence in CT2, 3 and 5. For this, trainer to submit course outline, session planning including scheduling, presentation slides, and other relevant material.

Phase 2 by a panel of PSMB appointed TTT lead trainers, to evaluate the trainer’s ability to demonstrate competence in CT4. For this, trainer to submit attendance form, feedback form, and video of the training session. For trainers who completed the 5 days TTT programme, their in-programme assessment sheet and video of their final presentation will be included as well.

Basically, trainers must conduct a real training session that meets HRDF requirement: Minimum for 2 pax (working adults), for minimum duration of 4 hours per training session after completing TTT or being TTT exempted before qualifying as “PSMB Certified Trainer”.

What about those how goes for a TTT programme before January 1st, 2020?
All trainers are to be recertified.

Trainers certified/exempted before January 1st, 2020, will be recertified based on active training hours. The requirement for recertification will be 120 hours of training conducted in a year for a 3-year period (360 hours of training over a 3-year period).

Valid training hours include any form of training that meets the HRDF requirement (minimum 2 pax, minimum 4 hours) which is conducted either under HRDF schemes or outside – as long as the participants of your training session is “working adults”.

Successful trainers (new and existing) in the new framework will become “PSMB Certified Trainers” for a validity of three (3) years.

No worries needed, team AIM has planned for “beyond TTT” initiatives to assist our Alumni to qualify for these requirements and stay relevant in the industry if they choose to train under the HRDF scope. We shall be announcing the game plan soon, so do keep an eye out on out for our post updates.