Best method to create training log?

[ExcelHelpNecessary]

I'm trying to create a staff training log in excel. I've tried various methods and none of them are really getting me 100% to where I want to be.
My requirements are:

• Staff List
• Course List
• Ability to select staff member from dropdown, a list will appear detailing the courses they have taken
• Ability to select course from a dropdown, a list will appear detailing the staff members that have taken this course

Methods I've Tried:

• VLOOKUP
• Data Validation
• Pre-existing template
• Filters

I feel like each of these methods is getting me close but I always run into a snag, any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[AliGW]

This is what databases are for - I suggest you look at Access, where I'm sure you'll easily find a suitable template.

[alansidman]

Follow up to Ali's suggestion. Here is a link that I often refer Access Template Lookers to examine. While it does not give you an actual DB, it does provide great schema.

http://www.databaseanswers.org/data_models/
and specifically
http://www.databaseanswers.org/data_...ning/index.htm