We need to identify continuing training needs for external source training

We have crated a trainng matrix were we have identified what the training requirements are for each position. However, during one of our surveillance audits, our registrar raised a nonconformance because we needed to identify continuing training needs for externally sourced training. Can someone help me understand this statement?

[Marc]

identify continuing training needs for externally sourced training.

Well, the key words here are continuing and externally sourced. The question becomes Do you sub out any 'continuing training' - if not, be ready to say so.

I guess. It's pretty cryptic to me as well. Can you call and ask what they mean by it and their expectation(s)? In reading element 4.18 "Training Element" I do not see the word continuing anywhere.

At the time they wrote it up I would have asked them to state the nonconformance more clearly and I would have asked them their expectations. I would have asked them "Where in QS9000 does it state this?" They'll hem and haw and it will come down to their expectations in interpreting the element. They have certain basics in a system they expect to see (paradigm) and if it's not there they write you up. Every implementation I have done from the first meeting I say: "You better be ready to fight, to challange your registrar. Auditors are not always right."

Have I confused things or does this help at all?

Thanks for your input Mark. I am inheriting this training needs nonconformance. If I had been the one audited, I would have certainly asked for clarification. It has been 18 months since the auditor wrote this nonconformance and will do a follow up in June. We have made several attempts to address it but I would like to know if he even remembers what he meant. I'm sure I will get my answer then.

MC1,
How about interpreting the word 'continuing' as 'ongoing'? That way it tells me that the auditor saw some need for external training (training resource not existing in house). Maybe some person was trained externally and it seems likely that it will be needed again. Or maybe it's just something he/she has come across before and now thinks everyone should do it. I would add a few words to your existing training document where it says how you identify training needs, eg; "....including continuing training needs for externally sourced training; In all cases, when reviewing a person's training plan or setting up a training plan for a new employee, the scope of training required must be comprehensive and shall not exclude training only available from external sources." You could add a list of external training organisations and training available or previously provided, just to ice the cake - A little bit of horse manure like this never does any harm. Also, it might be right on the button. If you haven't considered it, then maybe you need it.
rgds, John C