D3 Types of Training
Internal training, otherwise known as in-house training refers to activities to enhance the skills of a workforce that are led by staff who already work for the organisation.
External training is a type of off the job training which is delivered by somebody who doesn’t work for the organisation. Examples of external training may include evening classes at a college, learning new skills at a specialist training centre or visits from suppliers to teach staff how to use new equipment.
Internal Training
Internal training, otherwise known as in-house training refers to activities to enhance the skills of a workforce that are led by staff who already work for the organisation.
On-the-job training is when employees start performing the actual job tasks and ‘learn as they are doing’.
Coaching is where an employee is given the opportunity to talk through their own needs with their ‘coach’ with the aim of deciding on their own targets and methods to achieve them.
Buddy systems involve pairing a new recruit with a peer, usually at the same level in the hierarchy so that they can ask questions to help them settle in faster. This relationship may focus on factors outside the actual job role.
Mentor systems often involve pairing employees up with somebody in the next level up in the hierarchy. This relationship may focus on questions directly related to the job role.
Shadowing is a method of pairing up a new worker with an existing member of staff for a day or two so that they can watch how they complete the tasks. This allows them to become comfortable with their understanding of what is required before completing the tasks themselves.
Peer training involves using existing staff who are competent and experienced in specific skills and/or knowledge and getting them to provide training. This could be through presentations or workshops.
Job rotation is a practice of moving employees around the organisation to complete different tasks, usually of a similar skill level. This gives them experience of a range of skills making them more flexible.
Project based training the practice of giving employees the opportunity to develop higher order skills by posing a problem and getting them to work through steps to evaluate and implement solutions.
Business documentation such as a staff handbook and company policies can be made available to staff. They can refer to these documents to recap on expectations and to check rules and procedures.
Presentations are methods of delivering information to an audience of staff by verbally delivering information with the support of visuals such as slides. This method may be used to deliver new policies or changes that affect whole staff.
Wikis are websites that can be added to by multiple users. Wikis can be used in training by different members of staff uploading relevant resources and guidance for training that can be accessed at any time. Company documents and policies can be held on staff training wikis and it can be made interactive by adding a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section.
External Training
External training is a type of off the job training which is delivered by somebody who doesn’t work for the organisation. Examples of external training may include evening classes at a college, learning new skills at a specialist training centre or visits from suppliers to teach staff how to use new equipment.
Off-the-job training refers to any training that takes staff away from their role. This could do to take part in external or internal training.
Secondments are methods of external training where an employee takes on a temporary job in another area of the business to learn new skills. They will usually be replaced in their current job and return to it after an agreed time period with enhanced skills.
E-learning/online learning is training that is provided using electronic devices such as computers, phones, tablets etc. This may be provided by information on websites, video instructions and lectures and video conferencing sessions such as via Zoom or Skype.
Vocational training refers to courses that teach skills that are specific to a specific career. As part of the course, trainees will practise skills so that they are proficient in them when applying for a job. Typical careers that lead from vocational courses are tradespersons such as plumbers and electricians ad chefs.
Professional courses are a type of vocational training that people need to complete to work in a career that requires an accredited certification. For example, teachers need a PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education) and solicitors need an LPC (Legal practice course)
Conferences are gatherings of large groups of people with a shared interest such as from the same industry who gather together over a few days. There may be presentations, guest speakers, displays and sample products. Attendees can network, gather information and ask questions.
Seminars are classes where small groups of people get together to discuss a specific topic. This may be as part of an ongoing course or as part of a conference.
Workshops are short classes to demonstrate or practise specific skills. For example, somebody may attend a workshop on presentation skills.
