A Skills Matrix is one of the most simple, but highly effective, tools available to assess training needs. It is easily reviewed and updated, and presents the skills of team members in a single chart.

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A Skills Matrix will help you to:
• Review the skills and competences required for roles within the team
• Assess training needs
• Identify gaps in skills within the team
• Build commitment to the development of new skills.

Steps in preparing a Skills Matrix:

1.Identify the job roles in your team

List your team members in the left-hand column of the blank Performa. Identify up to 8 key tasks or roles that your team must fulfill to be effective and achieve its goals.

It may help to use the following tips:

• What are the main things that individuals in the team have to be able to do?”
• Refer to Job Descriptions for the team.
• Use KRA to help compile the key skills required to operate in a wide range of business areas.
• Consider new tasks and skills that may be required of your team in the near future.
• If it becomes too complicated, break the job roles down into some key areas, and create a Skills Matrix for each.

2. Coding and standards of performance

-Another option is to rate the skill level of the individuals with a coding system:
-Can complete the task
-Can complete the task to the required standard.
-Complete the task to the required standard, in the required amount of time.
-Could do all of the above and train others.

3. Assess the requirement for on-the-job training

-You are now in a position to see what requirements you have for new skills to achieve your team objectives.
-You can update training as it is completed by each individual and keep track of progress.
-The maximum number of people required to be able to complete a skill may vary, and will affect your requirement for on-the-job training.

Point to be remembered

-To avoid any unnecessary duplication of skills ,use column to show the maximum number of people requiring this skill.
-Review this number with your team regularly, and according to changing circumstances.
-To update the Skills Matrix regularly. This is a dynamic document that may change due to changes in priority, personnel, time of year.
-To incorporate a review of the matrix into monthly team meetings.
-To gain commitment to training and development by keeping the team involved in updating the matrix and assessing needs.