Types of training undertaken by businesses
There are several types of training and development including induction training, on-the-job training and off-the-job training.
Induction training
Induction training is the training an employee receives when they start a new job. It is designed to help the new employee settle into the business. It can include meeting other employees, a tour of the building, IT systems, company rules and procedures. It normally takes place in the workplace.
Induction training has a number of benefits for the business. It means the new employee settles into their new role quickly, meaning they can become more productive. It also means that the new employee feels valued and supported, which reduces the risk of them leaving the business.
On-the-job training
On-the-job training is training that happens in the workplace. Employees learn from more experienced colleagues. There are a number of different methods including work shadowing, formal training sessions and computer-based training.
On-the-job training has a number of benefits. It is a relatively cheap form of training as there are no travel costs and training is done by another employee, not an expensive external trainer. On-the-job training also allows a business to reduce costs by offering e-learning, a form of on the job training which is done via a computer. This can be done by large numbers of employees at the same time. Finally, on-the-job training can be tailored to the needs of the company, such as using the specific machinery that the company uses.
However, on-the-job training has a number of disadvantages. As the training is usually provided by other employees, it may mean that more people are unavailable to work as they are both providing and receiving training. It is also unlikely to bring new ideas and skills into the business.
Off-the-job training
Off-the-job training is training that happens away from the employee’s workplace. This can include a course at a college, university or at a training provider or studying for a qualification at home. It can be for as little as a few hours or can be done on a part time basis for a number of years.
Off-the-job training can bring new ideas into a business. As off-the-job training is expensive, employees who receive it may feel more valued by the company and therefore more motivated and loyal. In addition, the trainer is more likely to provide high quality training, as they will be a skilled expert in this specific area.
Disadvantages of off-the-job training include that it is expensive and there is a risk that the newly trained employee will leave the business. In addition to this, the training might not be tailored to the business and the employee is spending time away from the workplace to complete the training.
