Training - EduqasThe different types of training

On-the-job training

On-the-job training is training that happens in the workplace. Employees learn from more experienced colleagues. Different methods of on-the-job training include demonstrations, coaching, mentoring, job shadowing and job rotation.

Demonstrations are where an employee will be shown how to do a particular task by a colleague. This could be done when learning a skill such as stacking shelves.

Coaching is where a manager, team leader or more senior employee may set targets for an employee to reach and support them to reach it. An employee may be taught a new skill, and then given targets to use that skill.

Mentoring is where a manager or more senior employee in a business gives advice, help and training to an employee lower down the levels of hierarchy of a business.

Job shadowing is where an employee follows another employee around to gain an understanding of how they fulfil their role. This may take place for a new employee, or when someone is taking on a different role in the business.

Job rotation is where an employee switches roles to complete a range of different duties around a business, with the aim of gaining additional skills and knowledge.

Off-the-job training

Off-the-job training is a more formal type of training that happens away from the employee’s normal job role. This can include off-site training, computer-based training, sandwich courses and use of outside trainers. It can be for as little as a few hours or can be done on a part-time basis for a number of years.

Off-site training involves an employee going to a training provider away from their normal place of work. Off-site training may involve undertaking a qualification such as a degree at a university.

Computer-based training is any training completed by an employee using a computer, either at their normal place of work, or away from work. Computer-based training may involve using training software to learn a skill, or could involve undertaking a distance learning qualification online.

Sandwich courses are where an employee is completing a university degree and takes a year or more out to work within a business. This training is usually only undertaken for more skilled roles that require more advanced qualifications.

Outside trainers may be used to deliver a training course or training on a specific process, software or equipment used by a business. Outside trainers may be from an education institution, professional body, or a manufacturer of a product.