Training for Coaching

Tips for making the right choice

Checklist for finding the right course in coaching:

1. First, think of what you want to learn
2. Commitment: becoming a coach takes a lot of effort
3. Rhythm, structure, buildup
4. What type of provider?

First, think of what you want to learn

It is easier to find what you are looking for if you know what you want. Immerse yourself in the subject of coaching and consider carefully which skills you want or need to acquire during the education programme, training programme or course.
Consider practical matters as well, such as location, budget, course type, the hours (evenings or daytime?) and the course level.

Commitment: coaching takes a lot of effort

In following a course to become a coach, commitment is the keyword. Doing a coaching training course is intensive and very personal. Besides being able to show your weaknesses, it takes a lot out of you. Not everyone is ready or suited to do this. Group courses evoke many emotions and demand a lot from every participant. You need to be up for this.

Most providers will inquire about this in the intake (in person or on the phone). Perhaps there is a minimum age requirement for taking part in a training course. To be allowed to take part in a course, some life experience and stability in both the private and professional sphere are often a necessity.

A good provider values “excellence” of the participants. Training courses in coaching often take place in a group setting, in order for the participants to learn from each other. Therefore, it is also in your best interest that the participants’ level is of importance to the provider.

A good provider is therefore concerned about the make-up of the group. They might refer you to a different provider if it means a better match. You could even find out during the intake that a training course in coaching is not what you’re looking for, and that a course in coaching skills or a course similar to coaching would suit you better.

Rhythm, structure, buildup

The lessons’ rhythm, the buildup and the structure of the training course should suit you. Consider the buildup and if it matches your preferred way of learning. Is the course spread out over a few evenings, are you and a group going to learn on location, how many sessions are there in total?

Training can take a few weeks, but also a couple of months or even a year. What is practical and achievable for you and helps you learn best? A course type that alternates theoretical lessons with practical lessons, i.e. a practice-based course, is a popular choice. It’s very intensive, but this approach really gets results.

Ask yourself the question if you want to become a coach or if you want to learn coaching skills. There is a substantial difference, both in content and realisation. You can learn coaching skills in a few days, whereas becoming a coach requires a longer period.

What type of provider?

Regarding the provider, it is important to check if it suits you. What is their target audience and do you fit in with that? Does the provider make you feel at home?

In your search for the right provider, recommendations from colleagues and friends can help you, but your feeling is what matters most. Ask yourself if this provider and this trainer are going to get the best out of you. If possible, research the trainer’s background. Is he or she very experienced in this area? If you feel comfortable and have faith in your trainers, they will positively influence your learning process.

So ask if you can drop by the provider, or if it is possible to have an intake or a telephone consultation. Look at what the provider has on offer on Springest or check the training on the providers’ website. Request a brochure so you can read more about what’s on offer in the comfort of your own home. You can sense if the provider matches you by the provider’s look and feel.  

On Springest, you can read about others’ experiences with training courses in coaching. Former participants describe their experience with the provider, the trainer and the way of teaching. Thanks to their experience, you can look behind the scenes of the provider of your choice.

We hope these tips have helped you in your search. Good luck in finding the right coaching course!