n Training Experience: The amount of prior experience that the training company has in training professionals working with service providers is crucial. The credibility of the company is very important and that depends on the number of satisfied customers it has and the reputation it enjoys in the market place. The training provider should ideally have a full-time experienced faculty with rich practical experience.

n Course Content: It is of prime importance to ensure that the training company has a comprehensive and quality training content available at its disposal. The study material forms an important part of any training program and serves as a reference source once the training is over. It should also be ensured that the instructors are among the top in their respective areas and the training material incorporates latest technologies and applications.

n Cost: Going for a cheaper alternative may sometimes prove counterproductive. At the same time, paying a higher cost does not guarantee a quality training program. So the need is to do a cost-benefit analysis before finally outsourcing one’s training needs to a particular company. Cost-effectiveness has to be measured in terms of the benefits that the training is going to accrue to the service provider. This can vary depending on the type of infrastructure and quality of instructors that the training company has to offer.

n Instructors’ Profile: This is of immense important as trainers are going to be the ones who will make the difference between the success and failure of a training program. It should be ensured that instructors are the best in their areas of specialization and have the requisite technical expertise. They should be able to explain the underlying concepts and supplement them with a practical understanding of telecommunications technologies and services.

n Commitment: The commitment of the training company towards training is important. Training is an ongoing exercise and the services of the training company should be available as and when required (say for re-training), even after the training is complete. Service providers should inculcate a long-term relationship with the training company as training is not a one-time solution.

n Training Tools: It is very important to find out whether the training company has the required training tools to carry out and support the training program in the desired manner. The instructor-led training program should be supplemented with audio, video, and simulation for a better understanding of the subject.

n Customization: It has to be found out whether the training company has the wherewithal to customize the training program to suit the client’s product or service or it can offer just a run-of-the-mill course content.

n Hands-on: This should be a priority as there are very few companies that actually offer hands-on sessions. The reason is very simple. Buying costly telecom equipment and providing training on them is something that no one is ready to do due to the cost factor and some vendor-warranty related issues. The solution for this is to look for capabilities in the company to offer real-life simulations and troubleshooting exercises on a demo network, covering the practical side of relevant technologies.

n On-site Training: This is important due to two reason. First, it takes care of the hands-on training needs. Second, disruptions in business are minimized with employees remaining on site while undergoing training