The training needs assessment is the first step in designing an effective training program. It involves analyzing the organization, jobs, tasks, and individuals to identify performance gaps where training could help. This is done through organizational, task, and individual analysis using sources like goals and objectives, job descriptions, skills inventories, and performance reviews. The needs assessment determines who needs training and what training is needed. It provides the foundation for setting objectives, designing the training, implementing it, and evaluating the results. The needs assessment and evaluation are part of a continuous cycle for a training program.