HR Training and Development

Question 1

Benefits of Staff Training/ Development

Answer 1

• Staff feel more motivated, results in less absences, better quality job
• Staff are more qualified to do their job, results in better quality product and customer service
• A good training programme can attract high quality staff
• Training can allow for the organisation to grow by introducing new technology
• It reduces the number of workplace accidents

Question 2

Disadvantages of Staff Training/ Development

Answer 2

• Can be costly
• Staff aren’t working while training, loss productivity
• Many staff may use their new skills to find work in another organisation, wasting the business’s money

Question 3

Describe induction training

Answer 3

When a new member of staff is introduced to their tasks, responsibilities, as well as the procedures of the organisation such as safety rules.

Question 4

Advantages of induction training

Answer 4

• Staff are able to settle in quickly to their new job
• Health and safety will be covered, reducing accidents
• Employees will learn who the main personnel of the organisation are

Question 5

Disadvantages of induction training

Answer 5

-It can be quite time consuming and productivity is reduced, both for the new employee and the existing employee conducting their training

Question 6

Describe on the job training

Answer 6

When an employee is trained at the place of work whilst working. For example, an apprentice scheme.

Question 7

Advantages of on the job training

Answer 7

• The training is cheaper than off the job training
• Training is relevant as it is tailored to the specific needs of the organisation
• Staff are still able to work whilst training

Question 8

Disadvantages of on the job training

Answer 8

• The training will be interrupted by work, making it less efficient
• Quality of training may not be as good as it won’t be performed by a qualified specialist
• Mistakes can be made while on the job

Question 9

Describe off the job training

Answer 9

When an employee is sent to another facility such as a college to receive training outside of the workplace.

Question 10

Advantages of off the job training

Answer 10

• Staff are fully focused on the training as it is delivered whilst the staff are not working
• Delivered by specialists, meaning it may be of higher quality

Question 11

Disadvantages of off the job training

Answer 11

• More costly than on the job training
• Staff are not working while training, reducing productivity
• Training may not be entirely relevant

Question 12

Describe an apprenticeship

Answer 12

An apprenticeship is a form of paid on the job training and involves learning practical skills by working and learning theoretical knowledge with college classes. Apprentices gain a formal qualification.

Question 13

Advantages of apprenticeship

Answer 13

• Wages are lower than minimum wage
• Training is relevant to the job
• Cheaper than off the job training
• Many find working a better way to learn

Question 14

Disadvantages on apprenticeship

Answer 14

• Mistakes can be made
• Working while learning, not fully focused
• Involves a high degree of supervision from other staff members, can reduce their productivity.

Question 15

Describe graduate training schemes

Answer 15

Programmes offered by companies to people who have recently graduated from University, involves on the job training.

Question 16

Advantages to graduate training schemes

Answer 16

• Schemes are often competitive so companies can find the best graduates, who will become better employees
• Training is extremely relevant to the organisation

Question 17

Disadvantages to graduate training scheme

Answer 17

• Can be time consuming for supervisor who is training, can reduce productivity
• Employee may leave the company after receiving the training

Question 18

Describe corporate training scheme

Answer 18

Training given to employees within the company to further their skills. Includes ICT, leadership, time management, etc

Question 19

Advantages of corporate training scheme

Answer 19

• Motivates employees as they fell they are valued
• Employees will produce higher quality work
• The organisation can grow with new technology
• Less accidents will occur

Question 20

Disadvantages of corporate training scheme

Answer 20

• Costly to train and also because staff may require pay rise after training
• Time consuming, reduced productivity

Question 21

Describe work based qualifications

Answer 21

Formal recognised qualifications that can be gained by employees whilst working.

Question 22

Advantages of work based qualifications

Answer 22

• Training is tailored to be relevant to the company’s needs
• Staff will feel more motivated as they’re being given the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications
• Staff will be more skilled, leading to higher quality output and they will also be qualified for promotions

Question 23

Disadvantages of work based qualifications

Answer 23

• Employees may use their newly gained qualifications to find a better paid job
• Employees may demand a pay rise
• Can be time consuming to complete
• Costly to hire people to deliver the training

Question 24

Describe continuing professional development (CPD)

Answer 24

Training that takes place through a career to ensure the employee stays up to date with the knowledge and skills required to do their job and advance their career.
Comes in the form of workshops, VLE, conferences, etc

Question 25

Advantages of CPD

Answer 25

• Motivates employees as they feel valued

- Staff are more skilled and qualified

Question 26

Disadvantages of CPD

Answer 26

• Staff are not working whilst training, reducing output
• Costly to send workers on courses
• Staff can quit after receiving training

Question 27

Describe one to one appraisal

Answer 27

A review of the employees performance with a line manager. Includes what the employee has done well, criticisms and also if the employee has met previous targets and what future targets to set. If they have met targets, it often includes a bonus. An employee can also identify if they require more training. Appraisals are regular, often annual.

Question 28

Describe 360 appraisal

Answer 28

An evaluation of the employee’s performance not only from their line manager but also their colleagues, subordinates, clients, themselves. This gives a more balanced view. They use this information to see if they’ve met targets, set future targets, identify skills gaps.

Question 29

Describe peer to peer appraisal

Answer 29

Employees are not evaluated by their line manager but their colleagues. This feedback is often more accurate as the employee’s peers interact with them more.

Question 30

Benefits of appraisals

Answer 30

• Employees feel more motivated after being praised
• Employees can set targets
• Employees can identify their weaknesses and find ways to improve
• Employees can ask for training
• Employees can ask questions about their role

Question 31

Costs of appraisals

Answer 31

• Staff who receive negative feedback may feel demotivated
• Can be time consuming and reduce productivity as many people are involved in the appraisal
• Staff can feel under pressure and overwhelmed