A1 Training and Development
Training and development refers to the activities of an organisation which aim to enhance knowledge and skills of the workforce with the aim of improving their performance and in turn the performance of the firm.
Training is the acquisition of skills, knowledge and competencies as a result of teaching. It usually focuses on skills that an employee needs to acquire in the short term to fulfil the requirements of their current role.
Development teaches staff how to become more productive and effective. It focuses on developing the person generally rather than in relation to their current job role. An individual’s strengths and weaknesses may be assessed and individual plans put in place to enhance their whole skill set.
Reasons for Training
Training enhances the skills and knowledge of your workforce which means that a firm is likely to see increased productivity, efficiency and quality. Training also prepares existing staff for future promoted positions to ensure that when roles become available, there are staff available to perform well within them. Training also means that employees have a more diverse skill set which means that they are more flexible to deal with changes in your organisation such as new procedures or new products.
Training plays a key role in achieving company objectives. All objectives in an organisation should be cascaded from the overall company aims. Training that targets individual objectives should therefore support the achievement of the overall company aims.
Strategic objectives may include increasing profit and turnover and becoming market leader.
Operational objectives may include increasing productivity, introducing new technology, improving health and safety, satisfying government legislation, creating a more flexible workforce, introducing succession training for promotion and improving job performance and motivation.
Departmental objectives such as meeting sales targets and improving customer service
Individual objectives such as to prepare for changes such as new job roles, new equipment, new procedures, new products and/or services, new technology and new range of customers.