Training and development

Workforce activities

Recruitment & selection Draw up job description & person specification Advertise the post Use appropriate selection methods Appoint and carry out induction training

Training and development Identify individual training needs Implement on or off-the-job training Use appraisal systems to ensure continuous

development of employees

Training and development

Training provides work related education whichhelps employees to acquire the knowledge and

skillsneeded to carry out their jobs

Development helps workers develop and broaden

their capabilities to assist their career progress.

Types of T&D

Induction training – carried out with new recruits

On-the-job training and development – methods include observation, coaching and mentoring

Off-the-job training and development e.g. college courses and evening classes

Benefits of T&D

Increased revenues as productivity, quality, service and reputation improve

Lower costs as the workforce is more efficient and there is less wastage

Reduced labour turnover and absenteeismThe workforce becomes more flexible and

better able to deal with changeWorkers feel more valued and motivatedWorkers have better job prospects and job

security

Training needs analysis (TNA)

Training needs analysis is the assessment of the training requirements of individual employees or groups of workers that are needed to allow an organisation to perform effectively.

Induction training

This is given to new recruits to prepare them fortheir roles. It helps workers to settle in and

usuallyincludes:Health and safety trainingA tour of the workplace and opportunity to

meet fellow workersInformation about the values and expectations

of the organisationDiscussion about employment issuesRole specific training

On-the-job training

This is carried out in the workplace and is related to an

employee’s specific job role.

The three main methods of on-the-job training are:

ObservationCoachingMentoring

On-the-job training

Advantages Disadvantages

Often cheaper than off-the-job trainingGood transfer of learningWorkers may feel more comfortable training in familiar surroundings with people they knowEmployees are still productive while trainingEmployers may have more control over the training

Training is usually not provided by professional trainers but by co-workers who:

may be unskilled at providing trainingmay not be given enough time to carry out training effectivelymay pass on bad habits

Off-the-job training

Off-the-job training is carried out away from the

workplace.

Types of off-the-job training include:Day release courses at collegeEvening classesEvents at specialist training firms

Off-the-job training

Advantages DisadvantagesProfessional trainers and specialist training facilities are usedNo distractions from the workplaceProvides an opportunity for networking

Can be very expensive in terms of fees, transport, materials, accommodation and time out of workTransfer of learning back to the workplace may not be highTraining may lack relevance to the trainee’s job

Costs of T&D

o Financial costs for training providers, expenses, administration and time out of work

o Disruption to production when training takes place

o The possibility that other firms will ‘poach’ staff when they are well trained