Induction – this is the training given to employees when they start a new job

Health and safety – this is to ensure employees are made aware of correct policies and procedures to be followed to ensure their own safety and the safety of others

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) – training will help employees in the process of lifelong learning and aid their development

Changes in procedures – so employees are familiar with new ways of doing things

Legislation – to meet any changes to the legal requirements placed on firms

New technology– employees will need training to ensure they stay up to date and can use technology effectively and efficiently

to increase productivity – staff should be better able to do their job and therefore work quicker and to a higher standard of quality

to remain competitive – a better trained workforce will be more efficient and therefore the firm should become more competitive

to increase staff motivation – staff who feel invested in by their employer are more likely to be motivated

to improve health and safety – reducing the risk of accidents and subsequent issues

This is a method of training where employees are trained in their normal place of work, through:

•work shadowing Observing an employee carry out a job

•apprenticeship Working up through a business and training throughout the role

•job rotation Switching jobs with someone else to learn new skills

•coaching and mentoring Working with a colleague to coach them and advise on how to perform a certain job.

Advantages

It is relatively cheaper method than off-the-job training

The trainee does not need to take time off as the training is happening in the workplace meaning no loss of output

Effective if the experienced worker is efficient

Training is tailored specifically to the firm.  It gives the business greater control over the content of the training programme and the processes used

The employees are trained using their own equipment so it will help build their competence and confidence

Disadvantages

Need to select a suitable employee to carry out the training.  The person needs to have the ability and willingness to conduct the training or they may not be able to teach the proper skills

The trainee may make mistakes which might be costly for the organisation

Trainee may pick up bad habits

Training delivered may not be consistent

A method of training where employees are trained away from their normal place of work, through:

•courses/lectures

•distance learning

•simulation exercises

Advantages

•Since the training is carried out by specialists it is usually of higher quality, meaning employees should be properly trained

•Employees are trained away from their place of work so any mistakes will not impact on customers

•The costs of training are easy to calculate

•May lead to a formal qualification

•The training will allow the employees to concentrate, especially since they are away from the distraction of work.

•Employees have the opportunity to meet people from other organisations and can exchange ideas.  They may also be introduced to new equipment, they can bring this experience back to their own place of work

•Some training may take place through evening classes which means that they do not miss their work and this reduces cost

Disadvantages

•Off-the-job training is more expensive than on-the-job training, due to the costs of taking part in a training course and time off work

•The learning is not taking place in the normal work environment, therefore it may be difficult to apply to their job.  For example, equipment/tools used may not be the same as that used in the business

•Training may not be specifically related to an individual firm’s needs

•Causes disruption to normal work patterns as employees may need time off – leading to a loss of productivity