Training and development Flashcards
What is training and development?
means to improve the skills or knowledge of staff within an organisation.
What are reasons why a business will prioritise training and development?
upgrades employee skills or teaches them new skills which improve their ability to carry out their job and productivity
develops multi-skilled workers who can carry out a wider range of tasks so increased flexibility in staffing and there is greater cover for absent staff or when complete projects
promotes change which can help to improve competitiveness and responsiveness to market conditions
employees feel valued as their development and career is being invested in which improves job satisfaction, staff motivation and overall performance
improved image of being a good employer attracts better calibre applicants for vacancies
regular health and safety training means fewer accidents which makes the workplace safer and reduces staff absences and possible compensation payments for injuries
staff know what they are doing resulting in improved quality, better customer satisfaction and less wastage and costs
knowledge of systems and processes is improved so organisational efficiency enhanced
What could happen if a business chooses not to train staff?
increase in time and expense of finding trained staff to fill vacancies
lower staff morale and motivation and possible increase in redundancy payments as staff skills become obsolete
falling productivity and it can be more difficult to implement change eg technology
increase in accidents and possibility of legal action or compensation to be paid
loss of competitiveness in domestic and international markets
What are corporate training schemes?
These are intense programmes of training that will equip staff with the skills to either be in good position for a pay rise or a promotion
What are some advantages of corporate training schemes?
new skills taught in the most effective way as the course is often well-established with a proven track record
specialist trainers are used so should be better quality training and less likely bad habits are passed on
qualification may be achieved which means the trainee can use machinery or it can help their career progression
no interference from work colleagues
What are some disadvantages of corporate training schemes?
financial cost of using an external agency eg fees, manuals, travelling expenses
training takes time and the trainee may be out of contact of the workplace when required
no guarantee of quality as the course may not address specific needs of the learner or organisation and the tutor may not be available when needed
What is a graduate training scheme?
is a work-based training programme that allows recent graduates to gain practical experience with a company, giving them a head-start into the world of work
What is some advantages of an on the job training ?
trainer focuses on the specific needs of the trainee so should be effective
fewer associated costs to pay eg course fees, travel and subsistence
should help to improve relationships and communication across the dept/org
improves staff morale as both trainee and trainer feel valued
What are some disadvantages of on the job training?
no guarantee of quality as bad habits are often passed on
there will be a fall in output from the trainer while engaged in training
the trainee may be distracted in the workplace by their colleagues
the trainer may resent the additional responsibility and behave inappropriately
What are the advantages of work based qualifications?
Relevant to the job and therefore a good investment for the business, and can improve performance of employees
The organisation benefits from having skilled staff and staff may feel valued and motivated if they receive training therefore become more productive and can reduce absenteeism/lowers staff turnover
Staff have better promotion prospects if they improve their skillset and therefore become more empowered
A recognised qualification can be gained by employees
Training often takes place on the job
Assessment can be carried out by a qualified assessor
new skills taught in the most effective way as the course is often well-established with a proven track record
specialist trainers are used so should be better quality training and less likely bad habits are passed on
What are the disadvantages of work based qualifications?
financial cost of using an external agency or entering employees for an external qualification eg fees, manuals, travelling expenses
training takes time and the trainee may be out of contact of the workplace when required
no guarantee of quality as the course may not address specific needs of the learner or organisation and the tutor may not be available when needed
Some employees may not want to complete a qualification
What is CPD ( Continuing professional development)
It refers to the process of tracking and documenting the skills, knowledge and experience that an employee gains both formally and informally as they work, beyond any initial training. The key features of a CPD process is that it is
* a documented process
* be self-directed: driven by the employee, not your employer
* focus on learning from experience, reflective learning and review
* help the employee set development goals and objectives
Many professions have specified hours of CPD to complete in a year
What is an appraisal?
This is a 2-way meetings between an employee and another member of staff in the organisation to discuss the employee’s performance and to set targets for the future.
What is the advantages of an appraisal?
Positive feedback can be given which motivates the employee.
Targets will be set for the employee
Training needs can be identified which can motivate staff and increase quality standards.
Pay rises and bonuses can be awarded after a successful appraisal.
Employees can be identified for promotion.
Strong relationships are formed between manager and employee.
What is the disadvantages of an appraisal?
Appraisals are time consuming to carry out.
Negative feedback can be given which demotivates employees.
An employee might be set unrealistic targets which puts them under pressure.
Too many development needs may be identified which will stress the employee.
Some employees resent the appraisal system and feel under pressure/checked up on.
