Buddy and Peer Trainer Program Playbook

Set up a buddy and peer trainer program that welcomes every new hire, teaches each task the same way and records who can do what.

Who it is for

• Owners of small businesses who rely on experienced staff to train new people.

• Managers and shift leads who cannot teach every task to every new hire themselves.

• Supervisors in the field, where new technicians learn on the job.

• HR and training staff who want a consistent onboarding program across teams or locations.

The problem it solves

Most new hires learn their job from a coworker. Without a program, they learn from whoever is free, each trainer teaches a different version of the task, nobody checks in after day one, and sign-offs are never recorded. This playbook takes you through seven steps: setting the purpose, choosing the right people, defining duties and protected time, preparing peer trainers to teach with Teach a Task™, a proprietary method of KA Company (Show it, Do it together, Watch them do it, Sign off), matching and planning the first 30 days, checking quality, and recognizing the people who do the work.

What is inside

• Copyright and License (page 2; 1 page)

• Part 1. How the program works (pages 3 to 4; 2 pages)

• Part 2. Step 1: Purpose and scope (pages 5 to 7; 3 pages)

• Part 3. Step 2: Choosing the people (pages 8 to 11; 4 pages)

• Part 4. Step 3: Duties and time (pages 12 to 15; 4 pages)

• Part 5. Step 4: Preparing peer trainers (pages 16 to 19; 4 pages)

• Part 6. Step 5: Matching and the first 30 days (pages 20 to 25; 6 pages)

• Part 7. Step 6: Quality checks (pages 26 to 32; 7 pages)

• Part 8. Step 7: Recognition and review (pages 33 to 36; 4 pages)

• Part 9. Worked examples (pages 37 to 38; 2 pages)

• Part 10. Variations by setting (page 39; 1 page)

• Part 11. Rollout plan (pages 40 to 41; 2 pages)

• Part 12. Mistakes and FAQ (pages 42 to 43; 2 pages)

• Editable Word version of everything above (39 pages)

How to use it

1. Read Part 1 to see how the program works.

2. Work through Steps 1 to 7, completing each template for your business. Each template is followed by a filled-in example.

3. Use the worked examples and variations to adapt the program to your setting.

4. Follow the 30-day rollout plan and the launch checklist.

If buddies or peer trainers receive extra pay, a title or a change to their hours, check your company policy and the rules for your location. This playbook gives general good practice; it is not legal advice.

Formats and file types

• Printable PDF (43 pages), US Letter.

• Editable Word file (.docx, 39 pages) with every template ready to adapt.

Frequently asked questions