We all know that the goal of training is to transfer skills and knowledge to YMCA staff members so they can be successful in their jobs. And we also know that, while vital, staff training is often seen as a necessary evil rather than as something associates look forward to. But the fact that staff members often dread training isn’t the only obstacle trainers face—there’s also the lack of time, lack of resources, the expense of training, the frustration involved with scheduling training, and the difficulty of staying up to date and relevant when it comes to training techniques and methods. Today we’re going to focus on the last stumbling block—how YMCA trainers can stay relevant in the ever-changing world we live in.

Stay connected to “the movement”

YMCAs around the country are committed to encouraging the nation to follow the four core values: respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring. Trainers who stay up to date on what’s going on, not just at their own Y, but at Ys throughout the country, tend to get the best response from staff members because they are able to connect with them on a deeper level. Drawing on common experiences and shared values will help trainers motivate associates to want to learn and then to go out and work hard to make members feel welcome and valued.

Keep up to date with advances in technology

As more and more YMCAs move to blended or online learning, it is more important than ever that trainers be familiar with the latest and greatest technological advances. In addition to online and digital learning techniques, Y trainers should know how to navigate and teach on various digital devices, software, and learning platforms. If your Y offers flexible training by way of online and in-house versions of the same courses, it’s crucial that trainers know how staff members are accessing the online courses so they can help troubleshoot problems and answer questions. Along the same lines, as virtually led training becomes more common, it’s important to know what works best when you’re training a “room” full of people who are joining your session from multiple locations. Because we want to do everything possible to make sure the work environment is conducive to practicing what is taught in training, trainers should at the very least be knowledgeable on the technology used on a daily basis at their YMCA location.

Even if your Y isn’t currently offering online training or some version of blended training, it’s never too early to start preparing yourself for the inevitable. Online training will most likely make its way to your location sooner rather than later. Making the training easily accessible to all associates, regardless of time or location, allows a great deal of flexibility for staff members to participate in training which in turn increases the likelihood that the subject matter will be retained.

Be a cause-driven leader

As we already mentioned, the best YMCA trainers work hard to stay connected to the movement and inspire the same of new associates. Another tactic successful trainers employ is including cause-driven leadership competencies in every session. Ys rely on strong cause-driven leadership to encourage long-term change in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and the most-skilled trainers make a point of referencing which leadership competencies will be focused on in each training session. For example, if you are teaching a Diversity and Inclusion course, you might take a moment early on to mention that you will focus on community, inclusion, communication, and emotional maturity throughout the training. This not only keeps you connected to the Y’s mission, it will keep your training sessions relevant as well.

One of the YMCA leadership competencies is self-development, the process by which a person’s abilities are developed and improved over time. All Y staff members are encouraged to engage in self-development and trainers are no exception. The entire process of staying relevant falls under the category of self-development and by working to do so, trainers are not only enhancing their teaching skills, they’re bettering themselves, their Y, and their community as a whole.

3 Tips For YMCA Employee Trainers Who Want To Stay Relevant