I would structure the training in five parts

1. why is it beneficial to learn perl?
   • here I would mention features that make things different, e.g.hashes and regexes
   • at the end of this part the audience should want to code in perl
2. perl basic syntax
   • e.g. structure of a program, defining variables, creating subs, opening files etc.
   • after that block the audience should be able to copy&paste small programs (which might look very c-ish/php-ish)
3. how to use perl
   • enabeling the audience to write and execute a small script - this includes the IDE you use, possible testing environment
4. perl enhanced syntax
   • hashes and regexes
   • nested hashes/arrays
   • special variables (e.g. $_)
   • special kinds of loops (foreach, map ...)
   • at the end of this block the audience should be able to get an idea what happens in scripts they get to read
   • ... however tell them it is fine to use constructs they are used from c++/php-experience
5. example programs from your domain
   • show them some small fragments they will likely be using when they start programming in perl

For topics 3 and 4 you should prepare some excecises - so your audience can write their first small programs. If your collegues are typical developers, they will want to try out the things you present!

Have fun training! Rata