Examples of Training and Development Programs for Employees
As the training and development requirements of every workforce are unique, the same can be said for all training and development programs. Generic examples of training and development programs can therefore provide a useful basis to work from, but the importance of crafting bespoke solutions for the benefit of the business and its workforce cannot be overstated.
Training provides an invaluable opportunity for an organisation to develop the knowledge and skills of its employees. While the vast majority of employers recognise the value of training, many sidestep development opportunities due to fears of elevated costs. In doing so, overlooking the cost-effectiveness of the more contemporary approaches to training and development, and the potential returns associated with a skilled, knowledgeable and confident workforce.
The Business-Wide Benefits of Training and Development Programs
Most of the benefits associated with workforce training and development are universal, making them applicable to all types of businesses. Some of which are more difficult to measure or quantify than others, though in all instances can make a major difference to the performance of the business as a whole:
- Better Employee Performance - Employees provided with access to appropriate training and development opportunities become more capable, productive and efficient members of the workforce.
- Improved Motivation and Morale - Research has shown that employers who demonstrate strong commitment to the training and development of their employees benefit from a more motivated workplace culture and heightened morale.
- Identification of Weaknesses - It is only when formal training and development opportunities are provided that employers are able to accurately identify weaknesses in the workforce and offer the support needed to address them.
- Elimination of Inconsistencies - Every employee without exception should be offered the same opportunities to grow, evolve and develop - ultimately enabling them to perform on the same high level as one another.
- Reduced Employee Turnover - There is also a direct correlation between the quality of the training an employer provides and the employee turnover rate of the business. Motivated workers are naturally more loyal to their employers.
- A Better Company Profile - It’s also true to say that the extent to which an organisation invests in the betterment of its workforce sends a powerful message about its professionalism, responsibility and attitude.
Ultimately, everybody wins when training and development programs are taken seriously by employers.
Employee Training Program Sample
As previously touched upon, a generic employee training program sample should only be used as a rough basis to work from. Needs and priorities vary significantly from one organisation to the next, emphasising the importance of bespoke training and development initiatives.
The process typically begins by conducting a detailed training needs assessment - the findings of which can subsequently be used to outline a series of training objectives. The training and development program can then be designed, implemented and evaluated - these three stages being cyclical in pursuit of continuous improvement.
A simplified illustration of how the process works:
Examples of Training and Development Program Delivery Methods
Most businesses adopt a multi-dimensional approach to the training and development opportunities they provide. Appropriateness, affordability and viability will always vary from one business to the next, in accordance with its objectives, access to resources and workforce requirements.
The most common approaches to the delivery of training and development programs by employers are as follows:
On-the-Job Training
This encompasses the gradual development of skills, knowledge and confidence while performing duties at work. The employee is provided with the information, instruction and resources needed to do their job, which they can then practice on an ongoing basis. On-the-job training can also involve being handed new responsibilities or introduced to new aspects of the job, to expand an employee’s skills and knowledge.
In-House Training
Employers may also provide workers with access to various types of workshops, seminars and classroom-based training opportunities in-house. Typical examples of which include health and safety workshops, first-aid courses and other mandatory/optional training programs.
Online Training
Many employers have begun migrating their primary training and development activities to the cloud. Online training combines the benefits of accessibility, flexibility and affordability, enabling individual workers to complete training programs and access invaluable resources at times convenient to them.
Courses and Qualifications
Employees may also be encouraged to take additional external courses or pursue specific qualifications, wherein the employer either covers the costs in their entirety or makes a significant contribution. Online courses in particular are a popular choice among employers, which are far more flexible and cost-effective than traditional classroom-based studies.
Training Plan Example for Employees
Whether the employee is issued with a formal training plan in writing is a decision for their employer to make. Though it can be useful for the employee to request and retain a copy of their agreed training and development plan, in order to help them track their progress and stay mindful of their objectives.
The following training plan example for employees represents a basic template only, which should be customised in accordance with the requirements of the business and the worker:
Employee Name |
[Full name of the employee] |
Date |
[Date the training plan was written] |
Current Job Title |
[Job title of the employee] |
Current Strengths |
[Full list of agreed strengths] |
Development Needs |
[Full list of agreed developmental needs] |
Professional Goals |
[Full list of professional goals] |
Step 1: |
[Actionable step towards achievement of objectives] |
Target Completion Date |
[Deadline for completion of the above step] |
Step 2: |
[Actionable step towards achievement of objectives] |
Target Completion Date |
[Deadline for completion of the above step] |
Step 3: |
[Actionable step towards achievement of objectives] |
Target Completion Date |
[Deadline for completion of the above step] |
Step 4: |
[Actionable step towards achievement of objectives] |
Target Completion Date |
[Deadline for completion of the above step] |
Manager’s Notes |
[All additional information of importance] |
At least two interviews are usually necessary to create a workable and productive training plan for an employee.
The first interview is used to explain the purpose of the initiative, provide the employee with a training plan example/template and give them time to consider their strengths, weaknesses and objectives over course of several days or weeks.
The second interview is then used to reach a formal agreement on the objectives of the training plan, along with when and how they will be achieved.
Employee Training Program Examples: Find Your Own Formula for Success
While there are numerous employee training program examples and templates available online, none may be suitable for your requirements.
Technically speaking, the primary objective of all employee training programs is the same - to bring about mutual benefit by enhancing the knowledge, skills, confidence and capabilities of every member of the workforce.
But when it comes to the specific content of the plan and how it is put into action, no two programs are ever the same. Finding your own formula for success takes time, but will nonetheless steer your business and its workforce in a positive direction when it happens.