As I talk to many biopharma/medical device training directors, a common theme emerges over and over again.
Everyone’s out of bandwidth.
Headcount reductions in the training department have been a regular feature for the past few years in most companies. But somehow, the number of regular tasks and new initiatives doesn’t seem to go down. Only up.
I hear a lot of stressed voices.
Since I work a lot with vendor recommendations, outsourcing comes up frequently – but how do you outsource major training functions? We’re used to outsourcing the development (and/or delivery) of some specific training programs – but will we need to go further because of the chronic need for more bandwidth?
What do you think?
Steve
I believe major pharma training will remain – too many regulations and compliance plays a big part too. The expertise needed to ensure high quality training and growth can not be replaced with trainers who haven’t sold the products and understand the nuances of the industry.
Charlie – I agree that certain aspects of training (involving field/therapeutic experience) are not going to be easy to outsource. But when it comes to logistics, operations, technology – that seems to be fertile ground. And internal training staff are weaker in those areas because of their (primarily) sales background. Do you agree?
Yes. In fact, many of those roles are subed-out due to the expertise as you mentioned. As far as trainers and training management, I believe we need to scrutinize the projects being put on our plates and demonstrate the emotional fortitude or courage to push back for the benefit of producing more high quality, and perhaps more timely, strategic and relevant projects. Not easy to do, but necessary – in my humble opinion.