Employee training programs offer numerous benefits for both employees and the organisation.
Training programs give employees opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge in specific areas related to their jobs.
The organisation may have to hire other workers to cover for absence.
Training helps employees improve their job performance, leading to higher productivity and quality of work.
Investing in training programmes shows commitment to employee growth and development.
Training provides opportunities for career advancement within the organisation, so employees are more likely to stay and not look to move elsewhere.
Training programmes help employees develop the skills needed to adapt to changes in the workplace, such as technological advancements or new processes.
Training ensures that employees receive consistent information and guidance on procedures and best practices.
Well-trained employees are better equipped to meet customer needs and provide excellent service.
Induction training, also known as onboarding or orientation training, is a process designed to introduce new employees to the organisation.
Induction training familiarises new employees with the organisation's values, goals, and overall culture.
New employees learn about important policies and procedures, such as health and safety guidelines, code of conduct, holiday policies, and IT usage policies.
Induction provides new employees with a clear understanding of their specific job roles and responsibilities.
New employees receive training on any tools or technologies they will be using in their roles.
Induction training often involves introductions to colleagues and team members.
Induction training may cover a tour of the building and practical information, such as workplace facilities, dress code, parking arrangements, and employee benefits.
New employees are informed about the support systems available to them, such as HR personnel, mentors, or designated supervisors.
New employees might be given employee handbooks, training materials or secure access to the organisation’s intranet.
On-the-job training refers to learning and skill development that takes place within the actual work environment.
On-the-job training involves hands-on experience and practical application of knowledge under the guidance of experienced colleagues or supervisors.
The purpose of on-the-job training is to provide employees with job-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies required to perform their roles effectively.
On-the-job training helps employees acquire practical experience, learn job tasks, and adapt to the work environment.
There may be a risk of passing on bad habits or inadequate practices if the trainer is not properly skilled or experienced.
Employees can apply new knowledge immediately, and receive immediate feedback.
Mentorship: An experienced employee provides guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced employee, sharing knowledge and helping them develop their skills and career.
On-the-job training may lack structured content and formal assessment.
Shadowing: Employees observe experienced colleagues performing their job to gain insights and understanding of the tasks and responsibilities involved
Off-the-job training allows employees to network with new contacts.
Job rotation: Employees are rotated or assigned to different roles within the organisation, allowing them to gain diverse skills and knowledge from various departments or job positions.
Off-the-job training may take employees away from their work responsibilities, potentially impacting productivity.
Work is not interrupted by staff having to attend training outside the workplace.
Examples of off-the-job training include classroom-based training, e-learning courses, industry conferences or seminars, visits to external training providers, workshops, and apprenticeship.
Off-the-job training refers to training activities conducted outside of the regular work environment.
Apprenticeship: Employees engage in a structured training program that combines on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, typically for technical or trade-based professions.
Helps build relationships within the organisation.
Disadvantages of on-the-job training
Usually more cost-effective than external training – often there is little or no financial cost.
Advantages of on-the-job training
Can be time-consuming for both the trainer and trainee, potentially affecting productivity.