Q&A - What is training?

Training can be defined as:

The process of increasing the knowledge and skills of the workforce to enable them to perform their jobs effectively

Training is, therefore, a process whereby an individual acquires job-related skills and knowledge.

Training costs can be significant in any business. However, many employers are prepared to incur these costs because they expect their business to benefit from employees’ development and progress.

Training takes place at various points and places in a business. Commonly, training is required to:

• Support new employees (“induction training”)
• Improve productivity
• Increase marketing effectiveness
• Support higher standards of customer service and production quality
• Introduction of new technology, systems or other change
• Address changes in legislation
• Support employee progression and promotion

Effective training has the potential to provide a range of benefits for a business:

• Higher quality
• Better productivity
• Improved motivation - through greater empowerment
• More flexibility through better skills
• Less supervision required (cost saving in supervision)
• Better recruitment and employee retention
• Easier to implement change in the business