Training Options: KK5

Training

the process of providing an employee with the knowledge or specific skills needed to do a job, and teaching staff to preform their job more efficiently

Development

refers to providing employees with better knowledge and skills as they gain more experience in their position in the business.

training and technology

technology is a major contributor to training

• employees must be upskilled to use technology effectively

• training helps make jobs easier and more efficient

• technology can feel daunting, so staying updated is essential

examples of training and technology

Remote Work – Microsoft Teams, Zoom
Manufacturing – New machinery & automation
Healthcare – Advanced medical equipment
Automotive – Computerised vehicle systems
Retail – Self-service checkouts

benefits of training - for employees

• opportunities for promotion and self-improvement

• improved job satisfaction through better job performance

• a challenge - the chance to learn new things

• adaptability - greater ability to cope with challenges

benefits of training - for business

• goal and objectives met more efficiently

• reduced costs due to less labour turnover and absenteeism

• a more capable ‘mobile’ workforce

• higher productivity through better job performance and more efficient use of human resources

methods of training

• on the job training

• off the job training

induction training

induction training is that an employee receives when they first join a business

on the job training

• Training may be provided by an experienced co-worker, or by a leader or manager with particular expertise.

• Managers and leaders can ensure that the culture and strategies of the business are being passed onto employees

• Sometimes external providers are brought into the business to provide training. E.g if new equipment or software is being introduced, and the supplier of equipment runs training for employees to use it

advantages of on the job training

• the most cost-effective alternative

• employees often work while training, so more productive

• trainees use actual equipment that is required to do the job

• immediate feedback from more experienced colleagues is available

• employees are in a familiar environment, with colleagues they are used to working with

disadvantages of on the job training

• quality of training may vary - not everyone has the ability to teach others

• bad habits of older staff may be passed onto younger employees

• the learning environment may be noisy, with distractions from other work activities

• if real tools and equipment are used, it may disrupt production

• the trainer may have to leave their own duties to carry out the training

off the job training

• Training away from the workplace – usually involves sending individuals or groups of employees to a particular specialised training institution.

• Can be university or TAFE, where employees gain a recognised qualification that will assist them in performing more effectively and efficiently at work.

• May be a specialist provider, with particular knowledge relevant to an industry, type of equipment or product. E.g. the Institute of Chartered Accountants offer special courses in a range of financial issue for employees in the finance industry.

advantages of off the job training

• can provide a formally recognised qualification for employees

• can be more intense without workplace distraction for both trainer and trainee

• usually more structure and organised, with clear assessment processes

• outside experts and specialists can provide broader experiences

• availability of a wider variety of skills and qualifications that those in the workplace

disadvantages of off the job training

• may be too theoretical without access to workplace tools or equipment

• more expensive - fees, travel costs ect.

• lost working time while employee is absent from the workplace

• employees with an externally recognised qualification may be tempted to find a better job

• may not relate directly to the exact skills required in the workplace

training to develop employees

programs:

• Job rotation — the employee experiences many different aspects of a business. For example, a manager may move from one section of the business to another, taking with them their management skills and applying them to a different situation.

• Mentoring — a mentor acts a bit like a coach, supporting the employee as they learn. The employee is able to gain from the experience and skills of another person in the business.

• Formal business training — this may be done through programs such as the Masters of Business Administration (MBA).