Discover how IWCF’s Train the Trainer course is evolving with technology and expert guidance from long-term consultant Tracey Jayne Little, who shares her insights on effective instructor development and future training trends.
Shaping the Instructors Behind IWCF Training
At the International Well Control Forum (IWCF), the quality of training is not just about the programme content; it is about the people delivering it. Our instructors and assessors are at the heart of what we do, guiding candidates to build essential skills for the oil and gas industry. Becoming a great instructor requires more than technical expertise; it requires the ability to teach, communicate and inspire.
The Train the Trainer (TTT) course, facilitated by Tracey Jayne Little, is designed to prepare professionals for this role. The course equips aspiring instructors and assessors with the skills, confidence and insight needed to deliver high-quality training while upholding IWCF standards worldwide. Tracey brings decades of experience to the programme and helps instructors refine their approach to teaching, assessment and communication in both classroom and virtual environments.
Tracey is Director of TJS International Training Resources, specialists in professional development programmes. Their programme, Effective Communication for Training Professionals (ECTP), is ILM Recognised, meeting global standards for leadership and management. As the course is ILM Recognised, instructors have added value in that, for a small fee, they can opt for an additional ILM certificate which allows them to teach courses within their subject area outwith IWCF programmes. Instructors also receive a a digital credential.
Tracey is also a long-term ILM external quality assurer for leadership and management, coaching and mentoring qualifications. These include universities, colleges, public sector and private training companies. This gives Tracey clear perspective into good practice in training development, delivery and assessment.
With over 13 years’ experience supporting IWCF instructors, Tracey has a unique perspective on how training has evolved and what it takes to deliver truly effective learning experiences.
Interview with Tracey Jayne Little:
Can you tell our readers about the work you do?
Tracey: “I’ve been involved in training and developing/delivering professional development programmes and assessment for 25 years. 16 of those years are within the global oil and gas industry.
“Before the Covid pandemic in 2020, I travelled all over the world delivering training/assessment solutions and was involved in professional development projects for the oil and gas industry…meeting a wide range of learners globally along the way. This included helping instructors build practical skills, confidence and knowledge.
“From 2020, our programmes moved online due to the Covid pandemic. They have mostly stayed online as this is a flexible solution with a global learner reach.
“TJS International Training Resources provides the Train the Trainer programme for IWCF, ensuring instructors have the confidence to develop and deliver learning experiences that are both high-quality and engaging.”
How long have you worked with IWCF?
Tracey: “I first became involved with IWCF back in 2013, so that’s 13 years ago. I was approached by IWCF’s late CEO, Dave Price, while delivering training for Transocean. Initially, this involved developing guidelines for IWCF’s question writers but it later moved into “grading” or “simplifying” the language of assessment questions as well as providing internal training to IWCF so this could be carried out in-house.”
“I was also involved in reformatting the syllabi, including learning objectives and SMART learning outcomes. More recently, I contributed to initial project work for IWCF’s new Quality Assured programme.”
“This has all been alongside facilitating courses and supporting instructors around the world for IWCF through the Train the Trainer programme since 2014. It has been rewarding to watch training standards and methods evolve over that time. I firmly believe that excellent training should provide a learner legacy.”
How have things changed over that period of time?
Tracey: “The biggest change is the shift from traditional classroom teaching to blended and online learning. E-learning and the use of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) has been around for many years but, at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, quick and easy online learning solutions such as Zoom and Teams came to the fore. They enabled access to learning to continue at a time when face-to-face was near impossible due to travel restrictions. The challenge for many trainers was maintaining a student-centred, interactive learning experience. Used well, these platforms can provide a dynamic, student-centred learning environment.”
Has anything stayed the same?
Tracey: “The fundamentals of effective teaching have not changed. These three fundamentals are still at the very core of good practice in training – organisation (preparation, planning, structure and logical flow), interaction (engaging learners and developing critical thinking through open questions and hands-on practical activities) and excellent communication skills (body language and use of voice).”
How did training back then compare to training now?
Tracey: “While there has been e-learning in the oil and gas industry, and in universities, the majority of technical courses were delivered face-to-face. This offered immediate interaction and hands-on practice, but it was less flexible and more resource-intensive. Today’s online approaches provide wider access and digital tools, but instructors must develop new skills to keep learners connected and motivated.
“Technology is actually adding value to the learner experience. For example, by using Zoom for our IWCF Train the Trainer courses, there are tools available to the trainer and learners that enhance their learning. Examples include the use of breakout rooms for workshop activities, the ability to record learners’ practice teaching sessions and feedback with ease and the ability to send them the link after class to help their professional development. Other examples are the auto translate option – verbal output and text – which makes the programme much more accessible to learners who may not feel confident with using English as the main language of communication on the course. The AI Companion function also provides learners with meeting summaries, chat summaries, and real-time assistance.
“We also integrate technology into the Joining Instructions for each course by using a WhatsApp support group. This informal chat function builds confidence among learners right from the start. Feedback is also done via learners’ mobiles using Survey Planet links.”
What role will emerging technology play in the future of training?
Tracey: “Technology will continue to shape how we teach. Virtual simulations, immersive learning and the positive use of AI are exciting developments. The challenge is using these tools to enhance core teaching principles.
“It’s vital that instructors push themselves to stay up to date and remain forward thinking in how technology can support the creation of a dynamic learning environment.”
How do you ensure training remains relevant as technology continues to change?
Tracey: “Keeping training relevant requires continual review of content and methods. We incorporate new tools, update scenarios to reflect industry developments, and listen to feedback from instructors and learners. It is about combining innovation with proven teaching practices so that learners get the best possible learning experience.
“E-learning is becoming more and more advanced and has its place. I think its effectiveness depends very much on the subject area. For professional development courses such as Train the Trainer, where practical teaching sessions and personal feedback form a key part of the learner’s development, this is most valuable when facilitated by a trainer – either face-to-face or via an online platform such as Zoom.”
Where do you hope training will go in the future?
Tracey: “I hope training becomes even more learner-focused, adaptable and globally accessible while maintaining IWCF’s high standards and the global principles of effective training and learning. Every instructor should feel confident delivering a high-quality learner experience, no matter where or how it is delivered.”
The IWCF Train the Trainer course continues to play a vital role in developing the instructors who deliver IWCF training programmes. By combining Tracey’s expertise with IWCF standards, the course ensures that every instructor has the skills, confidence and insight to inspire and educate the next generation of professionals.
Find out more about the Train the Trainer course here.
Learn more about Tracey and her work here.
We would like to extend our thanks to Tracey for sharing her insights and for her ongoing dedication to developing IWCF instructors worldwide.