ELSA Training
What is ELSA Training?
ELSA Training aims at supporting ELSA Members and Officers in developing valuable soft skills and improving their ELSA knowledge. These training sessions are provided by educated individuals, either from the International Trainers' Pool (ITP) or from a National Trainers' Pool (NTP). Organising an ELSA Training is extremely simple and quick.
What topics are covered by ELSA Training?
ELSA Training is divided into two categories:
Soft skills training includes topics such as negotiation skills, time-management skills, stress-management skills, communication skills etc. These skills are vital for a successful professional life and help individuals set themselves apart from other applicants on the job market. A full list of topics can be found here.
Officers' training includes topics such as planning a transition, writing a One Year Operational Plan (OYOP), external relations, board management etc. These skills are specific to a successful ELSA career but will provide you with transferrable skills. A full list of topics can be found here.
What is the difference between ELSA Training and workshops?
This is a question that comes up regularly. It is important to understand the difference and to ensure that you chose the right forum for what it is you want to achieve with your sessions. Generally speaking, a training session is more interactive and aims at skill development while a workshop is less interactive and aims at providing information or data. While it is possible to make a workshop more interactive by creating working groups / group exercises, they do not provide enough activities to proactively develop a skill. Workshops are also generally shorter due to this as they do not need to provide participants with extra time to learn a new skill and try it out right away.
How do I organise an ELSA Training?
Decide on a topic
Set a date which is at least 3 weeks in the future to give your Trainer enough time to prepare the session.
Decide whether you want a Trainer from the ITP or your NTP and request a trainer! If you would like an ITP Trainer, you can do so here.
Find a space for the session to take place. You might want to book a room at your university or hold the session online.
Open applications for participants (if hosted for ELSA members)
Host the training
Evaluate your experience and repeat the process
How do I promote ELSA Training?
The most effective way of promoting ELSA Training is by organising ELSA Training for your National/Local Officers for them to get a better understanding of the project and to experience the benefits of such sessions themselves. It is thus advisable that National Groups organise sessions for their Local Groups to join during an internal meeting or similar.
What are the quality standards for ELSA Training provided by an ITP Trainer?
In order to ensure good quality of training sessions, the International Council has adapted minimum quality standards for ELSA Training sessions provided by ITP Trainers. They must:
last at least 3 hours - this may be decreased in agreement with the respective Trainer.
include a maximum of 20 participants.
The International Trainers' Pool (ITP)
The International Trainers' Pool (ITP) is a group of former and current ELSA Officers who dedicate their experience and time to helping current ELSA members and Officers improve their skills and ELSA knowledge. The ITP currently consists of over 20 individuals with a variety of skills and careers. You can find a list of all the trainers and some background information about them here.
How do I become an ITP Trainer?
To become an ITP Trainers, interested individuals must participate in a training event that will provide them with the necessary tools and skills to become an engaging trainer. The Train the Trainers' Week (TtTW) takes place once per term and is organised by the Secretary General of the International Board of ELSA or their substitute. The date and location, as well as the application process, are communicated to the ELSA Network via the Area mailing lists. Any ELSA Officer may become an ITP Trainer and it is in the discretion of the International Board to appoint ITP Trainers after completion of the TtTW. Yet participation at the TtTW does not guarantee entry into the ITP. The TtTW is led by at least one external or experienced ITP Trainer who will provide feedback to participants but also a recommendation to the International Board of ELSA on whether participants are ready and skilled to become part of the ITP.
Additionally, ITP Trainers have the opportunity to refresh their skills and exchange best practices during the Refreshment Weekend (RW) which takes places one per term and is organised by the Secretary General of the International Board of ELSA or their substitute.
National Trainers' Pool (NTP)
A National Trainers' Pool (NTP) is a group of former and current ELSA Officers from your own National Group who dedicate their experience and time to helping current ELSA members and Officers improve their skills and ELSA knowledge.
How do I establish an NTP?
Please consult the NTP Handbook for more detailed information. Generally, there are three steps to take when establishing an NTP in your National Group:
Create regulations and standards;
Organise a training event for interested individuals wanting to become NTP Trainers;
Maintain your NTP.