Often there will be multiple target audiences for a training initiative. For example, training for software applications may be targeted at persons who 1) install the program, 2) customize the program, 3) use the program to manage the environment, and 4) end users who may only use the application occasionally.

There are many practical considerations when making decisions about how to address the training needs of multiple target audiences.

If you decide on classroom training, it may be more difficult logistically to provide separate classes for each target audience (with the exception being end users, who need only a small amount of knowledge). You may be better off providing one class, and simply assume that the additional cross-training provided will be beneficial. In other words, some members of the target audience will get somewhat more training than they really need, but they will get some benefit from it (the downside is possible information overload, especially when the learner is lacking the needed technical background). In reality, some of the roles that you define may be fairly flexible, so a certain amount of overlap is desirable. However, if you decide that separate training offerings by role are worth the effort and logistical overhead, then you will want to do so.  This typically is more easily accomplished for eLearning than for ILT.

End user training should consume as little of your training effort as possible. Identify their needs, provide a simple but well-thought out solution, and be done with it. Try to look at all end user training holistically. For example, is there one web page that can be provided with links to "how to" information on common end user tasks?

Often there will be multiple target audiences for a training initiative. For example, training for software applications may be targeted at persons who 1) install the program, 2) customize the program, 3) use the program to manage the environment, and 4) end users who may only use the application occasionally.

There are many practical considerations when making decisions about how to address the training needs of multiple target audiences.

If you decide on classroom training, it may be more difficult logistically to provide separate classes for each target audience (with the exception being end users, who need only a small amount of knowledge). You may be better off providing one class, and simply assume that the additional cross-training provided will be beneficial. In other words, some members of the target audience will get somewhat more training than they really need, but they will get some benefit from it (the downside is possible information overload, especially when the learner is lacking the needed technical background). In reality, some of the roles that you define may be fairly flexible, so a certain amount of overlap is desirable. However, if you decide that separate training offerings by role are worth the effort and logistical overhead, then you will want to do so.  This typically is more easily accomplished for eLearning than for ILT.

End user training should consume as little of your training effort as possible. Identify their needs, provide a simple but well-thought out solution, and be done with it. Try to look at all end user training holistically. For example, is there one web page that can be provided with links to "how to" information on common end user tasks?