A Guide to Resources for IT Training Managers

The role of an IT training manager isn't just about scheduling lunch and learns or checking off compliance boxes—it's about building a tech-savvy workforce that is educated and flexible enough to keep up with constant change. 

Whether it’s cloud computing, cybersecurity best practices, or the latest programming languages, IT professionals need continuous learning to stay competitive. IT Training Managers act as both strategists and facilitators, ensuring employees get the proper training at the right time.

This article is designed to help IT training managers succeed by sharing resources that make the process easier—from assessing skills and training needs to delivering engaging and compelling learning experiences. Whether you’re refining an existing training program or building one from the ground up, the right tools and strategies can make all the difference.

Three Key Resources for IT Training Managers

A great IT training program starts with understanding what your teams need to learn, delivering that training effectively, and tracking overall progress. The right tools can make all three of these tasks easier. Here are three types of resources every IT training manager should have in their toolbelt: 

Training Needs Analysis Tools

Before rolling out a training program, you need to understand what employees actually need. A training needs analysis helps identify knowledge gaps and skill deficiencies so you can tailor training. 

Survey tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Typeform are simple yet powerful ways to collect feedback from IT teams. When designing surveys, go beyond generic questions like, “What skills do you want to learn?” Instead, ask more targeted questions, like: 

• What technical challenges slow down your work the most?

• What IT tools or platforms do you use daily but don’t feel fully confident with?

• What recent tech changes have impacted your workflow?

Pairing survey data with insights from team leads and performance metrics can help clarify where training is most needed.

Skills Assessment Platforms

Once you have a general sense of training needs, skills assessment tools can provide a more data-driven approach. Platforms like Skillsoft and Pluralsight offer built-in skill assessments that measure knowledge in areas like networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

These tools help in two ways. First, they prevent wasted time—there’s no need to train an entire department on Python if only a handful of employees need it. Second, they provide measurable benchmarks, allowing training managers to track improvement over time.

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Managing multiple IT training sessions, tracking employee progress, and ensuring knowledge retention can get overwhelming without the right system in place. That’s where learning management systems (LMS) come in.

Platforms like Moodle, Canvas, and TalentLMS streamline the entire training process by allowing training managers to:

• Organize and deliver self-paced courses, webinars, and instructor-led sessions

• Track employee progress and completion rates

• Evaluate learning outcomes through quizzes, assignments, or certifications

An LMS isn’t just about delivering content—it’s about making sure learning sticks. Look for platforms that offer interactive elements, like quizzes or discussion forums, to keep IT staff engaged.  

CBT Nuggets integrates seamlessly with leading LMS platforms. Learn more. 

What are the Best Practices for Delivering IT Training

Even with the right tools, IT training can fall flat when the delivery method isn't flexible. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work when training a diverse team with different experience levels and different needs. To maximize impact, IT training managers should implement these best practices: 

Use Blended Learning Models

Some IT professionals learn best through hands-on experience, while others prefer self-paced study. A blended learning approach combines online courses, live instruction, and self-directed study, giving employees the flexibility to learn in a way that suits them best.

For example, foundational knowledge—like learning a new programming language—can be covered through pre-recorded videos or interactive courses. More advanced skills, such as troubleshooting network issues, might be better suited for in-person workshops or virtual lab environments. 

Here are a few ways to make the most of blended training: 

• Offer live Q&A sessions to complement self-paced modules.

• Use real-world scenarios in training exercises to keep content relevant.

• Ensure online training materials are accessible on mobile devices for flexibility.

Blended learning doesn’t just make training more engaging—it also helps employees retain information better by reinforcing key concepts through different formats.

Offer On-the-Job Training and Mentorship

Some skills can’t be learned in a classroom, whether virtual or physical. Hands-on training and mentorship provide IT professionals with direct experience in real-world situations, making the learning process more effective. 

Consider pairing junior employees with experienced team members who can fast-track skill development and improve problem-solving abilities. Take a structured approach with set expectations and regular check-ins. 

Virtual mentorship can be just as effective for organizations with remote teams. Tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams make it easy to conduct screen-sharing sessions, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting exercises.

Leverage Microlearning Resources

Traditional, hours-long training sessions can be overwhelming and inefficient, especially for IT professionals who need to focus on specific skills. Microlearning, which involves delivering short, focused learning modules, helps break down complex topics into digestible chunks.

Instead of expecting employees to dedicate entire days to training, microlearning allows them to acquire knowledge in short bursts, whether during a lunch break or between tasks.

Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Udemy offer short courses on everything from coding to cybersecurity, allowing employees to learn at their own pace. Microlearning works particularly well for quick refreshers on software updates or step-by-step walkthroughs. 

How to Stay Up-To-Date with Industry Trends

The IT landscape evolves at breakneck speed, and training managers need to stay ahead of the curve. Staying informed doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s about knowing where to look. Here are a few resources to stay informed: 

• Tech and IT Certification Resources: Certifications from CompTIA, AWS, Microsoft, and Cisco frequently update to reflect new technologies. Subscribe to their newsletters or join vendor-specific communities like Cisco Learning Network or AWS forums to track changes and ensure training materials stay relevant.

• IT Industry Publications and Blogs: Staying informed through reliable sources helps training managers anticipate shifts in technology. Follow sites like TechCrunch, CIO.com, and Gartner, set up Google Alerts for key topics, and subscribe to newsletters from Wired or Ars Technica for curated updates.

• Professional IT Communities: Online forums like Reddit’s ITCareerQuestions, Spiceworks, and Stack Overflow provide peer-driven insights into training challenges and new technologies. For structured networking, organizations like ISACA or ISC2 offer industry discussions and professional development opportunities.

In Conclusion

Practical IT training requires more than just good intentions—it takes the right tools and strategies. By leveraging training needs analysis tools, skills assessment platforms, and a solid LMS, training managers can create targeted, impactful programs.  

But the true key to success? Continuous adaptation. Technology won’t stand still, and neither should your training program. Stay proactive, keep learning, and empower your IT team to do the same. 

Learn more about CBT Nuggets LMS integration—and how we can improve your IT training program.