What Should I Consider When Selecting an Open-Source Intelligence Training Provider for my Organization?
Choosing a Training Provider for Your Team
Course content, delivery method, and cost are something everyone considers before starting any kind of training program. However, the process in which an organization uses to come to their decision is quite different when compared to individuals seeking training. Organizations have unique needs when it comes to training. Keep reading to find out what you need to consider if you are looking to enroll various learners in OSINT training.
If you are looking for OSINT training for yourself, please visit this post to learn what key considerations individuals need to think about before selecting a training service provider.
Important Considerations
Course Suitability
Pre-assessments are a great way to determine if a course will be well suited for a learner. They likely won’t be necessary all the time, but we recommend finding a training provider that offers this service, so you have the option if you need it.
Ensuring course suitability is especially important when it comes to advanced training programs. For example, let’s say you are looking to enroll a member in a course about Technological crime. You would likely want to make sure the learner has a solid understanding of how to conduct online investigations first.
Now, we are not saying that every member must have completed an introductory OSINT training course prior to taking an advanced course. We recognize that knowledge can be acquired many ways, including through previous experiences, and hands-on training. The point is, you want to try to choose a course that will be both suitable for the learner and fulfill organizational or departmental requirements. A reputable training provider will offer you the option to complete a pre-assessment.
Course Delivery
Course delivery options are important to everyone, but especially organizations. Unlike individuals, organizations must consider several factors, prior to choosing a training provider. Organizational and departmental deadlines can dictate whether a training program is suitable or not. These deadlines can be related to budgets, strategic objectives, changes in policies, or audit results. One of the best ways that providers can do this is by offering several different course delivery options. For example, our clients can choose how they want to receive their training; we offer in-class, online, and blended learning options. We recommend choosing a training provider that can has the flexibility to adapt to your organization’s evolving needs.
Customizable Training
Another thing to look for is a training provider that offers customizable training options. Which basically means, that they provide a way for clients to structure and adapt the training programs to what they need. One reason this is important is because often, organizations have a specific learning path for its employees. This can require tailored services such as e-learning, learning management systems, and/or specific curriculum designs. At KeyNorth, we offer training to various organizations all who have their own needs and objectives. By offering customizable content and delivery methods, we can help our clients fulfill their training goals.
Learner Support
The type of support your learners receive both during, and after their training is another important consideration. Support can take many forms, but one that we have found to be quite effective is an online community. KeyNorth learners employed as Canadian law enforcement and regulatory professionals have exclusive membership to our online community. This gives them direct access, anytime to everything OSINT, including recent new, updates tools, new techniques, etc. As a bonus community members can network with other law enforcement professionals.
Another type of support, training providers can offer are subscription to newsletter. These allow both the organization, and its learners stay in the loop on the latest industry news. Finally, being able to contact the provider through the traditional methods of phone or email still count as valuable support. OSINT is constantly evolving. This is one of the main reasons why it is important to choose a training provider who offers on-going support.
Progress Reports
Finally, learner management is another thing organizations should consider before selecting a training provider. Organizations are going to need a provider that can keep the lines of communication open between both the learner and whoever manages their training. A great way providers can do this is through reporting. As an example, KeyNorth provides training managers with regular progress reports of their learners. Reporting allows managers to stay updated on how a learner is managing the course. These reports can alert managers to those individuals who may benefit from additional support. They can also allow adjustments for things such as personal leave or operational demands.
Reports also provide managers with important context needed to make future decisions related to training. For instance, managers may choose to look at the length of time it took a learner to complete a course, or the learner’s scores before signing them up for future training or recommending them for a specialized position.
Putting it Into Context
What makes OSINT training for organizations especially unique is that the training provider must fulfill both the requirements of the learner and the organization. Although they will both have similar objectives, the individual’s concerns may be different from those of the organization. Finding a training provider that will not only provide quality OSINT training, but will also invest the time to work with you to meet all of the training needs, is essential.
If you are looking for OSINT training for your team, visit our contact page or email us directly at training@keynorthgroup.com to discuss your requirements.