Arlo, the training management system used by instructor-led training providers, has launched a survey that aims to produce the first dedicated benchmark for the instructor-led training (ILT) sector.

The State of Instructor-Led Training survey asks providers about their pricing, course volumes, business models, delivery formats, use of technology and AI, and commercial outlook. The report is produced in partnership with The Training Marketplace, which will add data on buyer behaviour to the survey findings.

Arlo is asking training providers to share data on pricing, delivery formats and AI adoption, with findings due to be published in November.

Research on workplace learning has typically focused on learning and development as a whole, rather than on the organisations that design, sell and deliver instructor-led courses. Arlo says there has been no dedicated benchmarking data for this part of the market until now.

Figures released by Arlo show that 67% of training providers say instructor-led training accounts for the bulk of their delivery and revenue, and 61% say private, client-specific training drives their profitability.

The figures also show that 43% of providers already offer blended training, which combines face-to-face and online learning, with a further 32% planning to add it. Just over half (52%) use training marketplaces as part of their marketing.

Chris Teeling, CEO of Arlo said: “Every year, training providers make big decisions on price, format and staffing, and most of them are doing it without any view of what the rest of the industry is doing.

“The question we hear most from providers is 'is it just us?' This survey is designed to give them a real answer, and the timing means they'll have it while they're planning for next year.”

The survey was developed with an advisory panel of industry practitioners, who will also review the findings and contribute commentary to the final report. The panel includes Donald H. Taylor, Karl Kapp, Catherine Brown of the Good Humans Growth Network, Scott D'Amico of Communispond, Tammy Banks of Taye Training, Melissa Satterfield of Langevin, and Peter Evans.

Andre van den Assum, head of marketing at Arlo said: “Everyone in this industry has opinions about where instructor-led training is heading, but very few of us have had data to test them against. The more providers take part, the more useful the results will be for everyone.”

The survey is open to anyone who runs, manages or delivers instructor-led training, whether face-to-face, virtual or blended. That includes independent training providers, corporate training teams, associations and freelance trainers. It takes around 10 minutes to complete.

Participants will receive early access to the findings and invitations to webinars with the advisory panel, and will be entered into a draw to win a US$500 Amazon gift card.