Write the decision brief before comparing providers
Describe who will attend, what they already know and one task they should perform more reliably after training. “Learn AI” is too broad to compare proposals. “Prepare a reviewed weekly report from an approved source pack” gives providers a concrete learning objective. Include location, cohort count, delivery mode and existing accounts so a short workshop is not compared with a multi-session adoption program.
Ask to see how an exercise is taught
Request a sample input, learner instruction, expected output and review checklist. Ask the provider to show a difficult case with missing facts, not only a polished demonstration. A useful answer explains how beginners receive support, how experienced participants are challenged and how feedback will be given. The exercise should make the learner’s judgment visible, including when to seek clarification rather than accept the generated answer.
Separate evidence from promotional claims
Review the trainer’s public experience and ask what can be verified for a comparable audience. A logo does not explain the training scope, the contracting entity or a measured outcome. For numerical results, request the baseline and measurement method. For a testimonial, confirm that it is attributable and permission-cleared. An independent award or partnership claim should have a source you can check rather than a badge with no context.
Compare the whole engagement
Make proposals comparable by listing preparation, live hours, practice, materials, assessment, follow-up, travel and software costs. Decide who provides accounts and sample files. Clarify rescheduling, recording permission and the handling of confidential examples in the agreed commercial documents. A lower workshop fee may not represent a lower total cost if your team still needs substantial access preparation or separate coaching.
Make a small decision that can be reviewed
For a large rollout, consider a representative pilot cohort before committing every department. Agree what evidence would justify expansion: task quality, review effort, participant capability and manager follow-through. Keep a record of the decision and the unanswered questions. Revisit the scope if tool access, business priorities or the target workflow changes; the initial proposal should not become a permanent assumption.