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Training and developmentMethods of training

It is important that businesses invest in training and development to enhance staff skills. The type of training offered can have different costs and benefits to an organisation.

Part of Business managementPeople

Methods of training

There are different ways to train staff and each method has its own costs and benefits. Different methods include:

  • apprenticeships
  • graduate training schemes
  • corporate training schemes
  • work-based qualifications
  • continuing professional development

Apprenticeship

Apprentice joiners working in a factory
Image caption,
Apprentices gain formal qualifications while learning on-the-job

An apprenticeship is a method of paid that combines learning practical skills with theoretical knowledge.

Formal qualifications are gained while working and learning on-the job combined with days at college as required.

CostsBenefits
Involves a high degree of supervision from experienced staff members which can be time consumingProfessional qualifications can be gained
Apprentices may make mistakes while they are training which may harm the reputation of the companyTraining is specifically tailored to suit the firms needs and job role
Apprentices are paid a wage while they are trainingLess costly as training takes place while performing the job
No guarantee of job security once apprenticeship is completed
CostsInvolves a high degree of supervision from experienced staff members which can be time consuming
BenefitsProfessional qualifications can be gained
CostsApprentices may make mistakes while they are training which may harm the reputation of the company
BenefitsTraining is specifically tailored to suit the firms needs and job role
CostsApprentices are paid a wage while they are training
BenefitsLess costly as training takes place while performing the job
CostsNo guarantee of job security once apprenticeship is completed
Benefits

Graduate training schemes

Graduate training schemes are programs offered by companies to people who have recently gained a degree qualification from university.

They normally last between one and two years and allow the graduate to experience different aspects of the business throughout their training.

CostsBenefits
No guarantee of a job at the end of the training schemeGives graduates experience of a working environment
Can be time consuming to carry out the on-the-job training requiredGraduates can gain the skills required to work permanently for the organisation
Graduate might leave once training is completedGraduates can experience different departments and gain a range of skills
Organisation can decide where best to employ graduates at the end of the training scheme
CostsNo guarantee of a job at the end of the training scheme
BenefitsGives graduates experience of a working environment
CostsCan be time consuming to carry out the on-the-job training required
BenefitsGraduates can gain the skills required to work permanently for the organisation
CostsGraduate might leave once training is completed
BenefitsGraduates can experience different departments and gain a range of skills
Costs
BenefitsOrganisation can decide where best to employ graduates at the end of the training scheme

Corporate training schemes

Corporate training schemes are offered by organisations to employees within the company.

The employees will participate in training courses to further develop their skills within the organisation.

It ensures employees can learn new skills to enhance the quality of their work or to advance within the organisation. The training can take place at college, external training providers or within the organisation.

Some corporate training schemes can include ICT, leadership/management, time management, communication or customer service.

CostsBenefits
Can be time consuming to carry out the training requiredStandard of work can improve through training
Can be costly for the organisation to provide training and subsequent wage risesEmployees will be more motivated
CostsCan be time consuming to carry out the training required
BenefitsStandard of work can improve through training
CostsCan be costly for the organisation to provide training and subsequent wage rises
BenefitsEmployees will be more motivated

Work-based qualifications

Work-based qualification are formal qualifications that can be gained while working. Employees will learn the skills required to gain the qualification while carrying out their job.

CostsBenefits
Qualifications can take a long time if completed on a part-time basisTraining is specifically tailored to suit the firms needs
Employee may leave the organisation once qualification is gainedTraining takes place in the work place so minimal cost to the organisation
Costly to pay for people to carry out the trainingEmployees can gain a recognised qualification
Standard of work can improve through training
Employee has a better chance of promotion or a wage rise when qualification is gained
CostsQualifications can take a long time if completed on a part-time basis
BenefitsTraining is specifically tailored to suit the firms needs
CostsEmployee may leave the organisation once qualification is gained
BenefitsTraining takes place in the work place so minimal cost to the organisation
CostsCostly to pay for people to carry out the training
BenefitsEmployees can gain a recognised qualification
Costs
BenefitsStandard of work can improve through training
Costs
BenefitsEmployee has a better chance of promotion or a wage rise when qualification is gained

Continuing professional development (CPD)

Continued professional development is training that takes place through a career to ensure that employees stay up to date with the knowledge and skills required to do a job or advance in their career.

CPD can take the form of on-line training, conferences, events, workshops or meetings.

CostsBenefits
May take people away from their work in order to complete trainingImproves the skills of staff which can lead to better quality goods or service
Can cost the organisation money to send workers on training coursesMotivates staff as they are better able to do their job and feel the company is investing in their training
Ensures the organisation keeps staff up to date with mandatory training requirements
CostsMay take people away from their work in order to complete training
BenefitsImproves the skills of staff which can lead to better quality goods or service
CostsCan cost the organisation money to send workers on training courses
BenefitsMotivates staff as they are better able to do their job and feel the company is investing in their training
Costs
BenefitsEnsures the organisation keeps staff up to date with mandatory training requirements