There are many ways to conduct an Organizational Needs Assessment (ONA). Perhaps the most important thing to understand when beginning the process is that it will not be linear. When building a relationship with employers there are many factors impacting their needs, including sudden changes to the business cycle. After all, for-profit industries and not-for-profits must respond to different changes in their environment. Understanding these differences when you enter the ONA process will serve you well.
This resource provides and overview of how to conduct an organization needs assessment to lay the foundation for workplace training.