Exploring the transfer of learning from an executive development program for human services managers

Given the limited staff development resources in human service agencies and the estimate that only 10% of learning gained through training is transferred to on-the-job performance, the transfer of learning has become a critical issue. This article examines the transfer of learning process related to a human services executive development program. It is based on a program evaluation and case study that identified three important mechanisms for the transfer of learning: (1) supervisor support of participants before, during, and after the program, (2) opportunities to share program learning with others, and (3) agency-based projects that help participants apply the knowledge gained from the training program.