Employee training is essential for developing skills, increasing efficiency, and, ultimately, boosting productivity. Choosing the right employee training method for your small business will depend on the type of training needed and the learning style of each employee.
The top training methods for employees include:
- Apprenticeship
- Blended Learning
- Case Studies
- Collaborative Learning
- Cross-training
- e-Learning / Online
- Gamification
- Hands-on Learning
- Instructor-led
- Job Shadowing
- Mentoring
- Microlearning
- On-the-job Learning
- Roleplay
- Simulation
- Spaced Learning
- Video
Learn more about each method of training, as well as their benefits and drawbacks, to find which approach works best for your employees.
But first, download our customizable employee training plan template. Having a training plan in place for each employee will help you keep track of what learning has been completed and what needs to be accomplished.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is a form of vocational training that involves learning skills and trade through hands-on experience under the guidance of a skilled professional. It is an alternative route to education that focuses on practical knowledge, sometimes allowing individuals to learn while they earn. Apprenticeships offer a great opportunity to develop skills in a specific industry.
Unlike traditional classroom-based teaching, apprenticeship provides practical exposure, which allows individuals to see firsthand from trained professionals what it takes to succeed in their chosen field.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Offers real-world experience | Trainee often lacks experience |
| Is a direct pathway to employment | Low wages can be a deterrent to some employees |
| Employers value hands-on experience | Could take years to complete training |
Blended Learning
The training style known as blended learning combines traditional classroom teaching with online resources and technology. This means that part of the training is held in person and led by an instructor, and the other portion allows students to work at their own pace and receive support from teachers when needed.
| Benefits | Drawback |
|---|---|
| Trainee has the benefit of both instructor-led and online training | Trainees may miss work due to in-classroom portion of training |
| Promotes engagement between colleagues in this same course | May not have access to technology |
| Provides a wide range of online resources | May not be computer literate |
Case Studies
A case study is a real-life example that demonstrates how a particular problem was solved or addressed. By evaluating case studies, employees can learn how to approach similar situations in their work. These can be especially effective with interactive activities, such as group discussions or role-playing exercises.
Case studies provide an opportunity for employees to see the direct impact of their decisions on the company’s success. This helps create a sense of ownership and accountability among team members, leading to better decision-making and improved overall performance.
| Benefits | Drawback |
|---|---|
| Allows trainees to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios | Cannot fully replicate real-life scenarios |
| Uses a hands-on approach to teach complex concepts | Potential for bias |
| Encourages collaboration | May not be one right or wrong answer |
Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning is a teaching strategy that encourages students to work together in groups to solve problems, complete projects, and learn from one another. This approach, sometimes called peer-to-peer learning, has gained popularity in recent years, as research has shown that it leads to better learning outcomes and improved social skills. It can take many forms, such as group discussions, team-based assignments, peer tutoring, and collaborative writing.
One of the biggest benefits of collaborative learning is that it creates a more engaging and interactive experience. When peers are working together on a project or assignment, they become more invested in their own learning because they feel like they are contributing to something larger than themselves. Additionally, by working with their peers on complex tasks, students can develop critical thinking skills and learn how to communicate effectively with others.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Promotes active engagement and participation among colleagues | Can lead to unequal participation |
| Enhancing critical thinking by encouraging employees to see others’ perspectives | Can create motivation issues for those that may let others take the lead |
| Promotes effective communication skills among colleagues | Can create a hostile work environment if everyone cannot agree |
Cross-training
Cross-training is the process of employees learning new skills and responsibilities in different departments or roles within the organization. Cross-training helps build teamwork, communication, and collaboration among employees as they interact with one another across various departments or roles.
Employees that undergo cross-training are likely to have job satisfaction, as they feel valued by the organization, while at the same time gaining a sense of achievement for learning new things. Cross-trained employees are also less likely to experience burnout since they have variety in their work that keeps them engaged.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Can learn new skills | May have to train in areas they aren’t interested in |
| Fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration | Can lead to reduced efficiency |
| Can contribute to future career development opportunities | Can lead to burnout due to increased workloads |
e-Learning / Online
Employees receive their training virtually with e-learning, also known as online training. This type of learning is done 100% on a computer with no physical instructor present. It is typically self-paced, although timed exams are usually present.
E-learning provides a range of benefits over traditional classroom-based teaching methods. It reduces the need for classrooms and textbooks—making it more cost-effective for your company and the employee—and can be customized to suit individual learning styles and needs. This means that individuals can learn at their own pace, taking as much or as little time as they need to complete their courses.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Can learn at their own pace | Lack of face-to-face interaction |
| Offers a personalized learning experience | May not be computer literate and therefore struggle |
| Caters to diverse interests and goals | Requires self-discipline to complete tasks |
Gamification
Gamification is the process of incorporating game elements into non-game contexts, such as education, healthcare, marketing, and more. By doing so, gamification engages and motivates learners to achieve their goals.
Gamification appeals to our desire for challenge and reward with challenges to earn points for completing tasks, competing against others on leaderboards, and unlocking achievements for reaching certain milestones. It can be used to improve employee productivity, increase customer loyalty, encourage healthy habits, and promote learning.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Makes training more fun | Could become too competitive |
| Motivates trainees to participate | Can oversimplify complex concepts |
| Enhances knowledge retention | May be too difficult for slower learners |
Hands-on Learning
This type of learning involves actively engaging the learner through physical activities, experiments, and real-life simulations. You see a hands-on training method used a lot in industries such as information technology, manufacturing, restaurants, and retail.
Hands-on learning allows students to:
- See how the concepts they are studying apply to the real world
- Gain experience through structured activities or experiments
- Help make what they are learning more tangible and memorable
- Improve the understanding of the material
- Increase creativity and problem-solving skills
- Foster an appreciation for how academic knowledge can be practically applied
- Encourage collaboration and teamwork
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Provides a more engaging and interactive learning experience | Requires a significant investment in equipment, materials, and personnel |
| Results in enhanced understanding of concepts | May be hindered by geographical locations |
| Helps develop problem-solving skills | Can be time consuming |
Instructor-led
Instructor-led training is a traditional type of learning wherein a teacher conducts the learning face-to-face, such as in-classroom, workshops, seminars, or webinars. The focus of this training method is usually on interactive learning rather than just lectures or presentations. Students have the opportunity to ask questions and get immediate feedback from their instructors, which helps them retain information better.
Instructor-led training often includes
- Lectures
- Presentations
- interactive activities
- Development of skills in a specific area
- Role-playing exercises
- Group discussions
- Group activities
- Collaboration among learners
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Provides a structured and interactive environment | May be difficult for learners who need additional time |
| Encourages group discussions and activities | Limited personalization and individual attention |
| Can lead to enhanced problem-solving skills | Learners are required to adhere to a specific schedule, which may not be convenient |
Job Shadowing
Job shadowing enables individuals to learn about a particular job or industry by observing someone in the role. Job shadowing provides hands-on learning experiences and allows for a more immersive understanding of the work involved. It can be especially useful for those who are new to the workforce.
One of the benefits of job shadowing is that it offers an opportunity to ask questions and gain insights from experienced professionals. Participants can observe different aspects of the job, including how tasks are completed, how communication occurs between team members, and what skills are required to succeed in the role.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Provides first-hand exposure and the opportunity to learn from professionals | May lack hands-on experience |
| Helps the learner understand the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the career | Learners may lack the ability to grasp complex concepts |
| Provides the opportunity for the learner to build their network and interact with professionals in their chosen field | Provides limited exposure to the full aspect of any position |
Mentoring
Mentoring is a process where experienced professionals guide and support less experienced colleagues to help them develop skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary for career growth. The mentoring relationship fosters personal and professional development, which benefits both the mentee and the mentor.
A mentor, or coach, can help an employee
- Identify areas where they need improvement
- By providing feedback on how to make progress
- By helping them stay motivated
- By offering encouragement and recognition for their accomplishments
- By provide guidance on how to navigate complex work situations
- Build confidence
- Improve communication skills
- Increase productivity
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Helps provide guidance, support, and encouragement | Learners may not be receptive to the mentor’s ideas |
| Beneficial to the mentor to enhance their listening and feedback skills | Potential limitations to real-life experiences |
| Allows mentors to share their knowledge and experiences | May result in poor matching of mentors/mentees |
Microlearning
Microlearning focuses on delivering bite-sized, easily digestible information to learners. The idea is to break down complex concepts into smaller sections that can be quickly and easily understood. This flexibility makes it ideal for busy professionals who want to upskill themselves but are unable to commit long hours due to their work schedules.
Microlearning can cater to different learning styles with a range of multimedia formats, like videos, podcasts, infographics, and quizzes, which engage learners across different senses like visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Training is easier to digest for the learner | Limited in depth and detail for complex concepts |
| Content can be accessed anywhere at any time | Fails to provide an overall picture |
| Promotes better retention of knowledge | May not be a comprehensive course |
On-the-job Training
On-the-job training occurs when employees learn by doing tasks under the supervision of a more experienced colleague. This type of training allows employees to acquire job-specific skills while earning a salary. Different from job shadowing and mentoring, on-the-job training allows employees to do the work themselves while guided by their peers. They gain hands-on experience while working alongside experienced colleagues who can provide guidance and support.
One of the advantages of on-the-job training is that it is typically tailored to meet the specific needs of a role or company. This means that employees receive relevant instruction that directly applies to their job responsibilities, rather than being forced to sit through generic classroom sessions. Additionally, on-the-job training can be more cost-effective for businesses than traditional training methods, since it does not require as much time or money for planning and implementation.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Allows employees to learn by doing | May lack structure and consistency |
| Provides a tailored learning experience directly related to the skills of the position | Can be time consuming |
| Provides a mentorship atmosphere | Experience limited to the knowledge of those training |
Roleplay
Roleplay creates scenarios that simulate real-life situations and allows participants to act out their roles in a safe environment. This type of training can be used for customer service, sales, leadership development, conflict resolution, and many other areas where communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
One of the main benefits of roleplay training is that it provides an opportunity for participants to practice their skills without fear of consequences or failure. They can experiment with different approaches, receive feedback from trainers or peers, and refine their techniques until they feel confident enough to apply them in real-world situations. Roleplay training also allows for customization and personalization based on the specific needs of each organization or individual.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Allows the learner to train in real-life scenarios | Learners may feel self-conscious or embarrassed |
| Eliminates the failure aspect of the work | Organizing sessions is costly and time consuming |
| Offers a safe and controlled environment to learn | Can be challenging to find colleagues who are willing to participate |
Simulation
Simulation training, similar to roleplay, involves creating a virtual environment that is designed to replicate real-life scenarios, allowing individuals to gain practical experience without any physical harm or risk. The use of simulation training can be found in the military, aviation, healthcare, and emergency services.
Simulation training provides a safe and controlled learning environment. With simulations, students are able to experiment with different techniques and approaches without fear of causing injury or damage. Additionally, this type of training allows for immediate feedback and analysis from instructors, which can help improve their skills faster than traditional classroom-based lectures.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Allows the learner to train without causing harm | Learners may freeze up when faced with a real-life experience |
| Can be conducted virtually | Over-reliance on technology |
| Provides a realistic and immersive learning experience | Simulator equipment can be expensive |
Spaced Learning
Spaced learning involves breaking up sessions into shorter intervals with rest periods in between. The idea behind spaced learning is to allow the brain time to absorb information before moving on to the next topic or task.
This technique can be adapted to different learning styles and preferences, making it accessible to everyone. By using spaced learning strategies, students are able to consolidate their knowledge over time, leading to a deeper understanding of concepts and better problem-solving skills.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Allows the learner to digest concepts before moving on | Requires careful planning and organizing to deliver the required knowledge |
| Promotes better retention of material long term | Can be time-consuming to set up |
| Allows learners to go back and revisit concepts | Learners risk forgetting information between modules |
Video
With high-quality cameras and editing software, anyone can create video tutorials that are both engaging and informative. Online platforms such as YouTube, Udemy, and Coursera offer a vast array of video courses on various subjects, from programming to cooking.
With video training, learners can access courses at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection. They can pause or rewind a lesson if they miss something or need to review a concept. Video training also allows for personalized learning since learners can choose which topics they want to focus on or skip over those they already know.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Ability to stop and start training as needed | Requires a good internet connection |
| Allows the learner to go back and revisit concepts | Can lead to gaps in understanding |
| Allows for an immersive learning experience and the use of visual cues | Relies on only auditory reinforcement of concepts |
Creating an Employee Training Plan
Before diving into training your employees, each one should have their own unique training plan. This can be a simple spreadsheet that includes the employee’s name, type of training method(s) they will follow, and any specifics to their plan.
Download our customizable employee training plan template to keep track of each employee’s training.
Why an Employee Training Plan Is Important
Training and development is a major part of employee management—it ultimately contributes to the success and growth of your organization. Without a well-crafted employee training plan for each of your employees, you may miss important learning opportunities.
A well-designed employee training plan provides numerous benefits that contribute to the overall efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness of a company.
- It ensures that employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively.
- Employees will have a better understanding of their job responsibilities, industry trends, and best practices.
- It fosters professional development and career advancement within your organization.
What to Include in an Employee Training Plan
An employee training plan is designed to keep track of the specifics of each individual employee’s training. Your plan, or spreadsheet, should include the following information:
- Training topic/course – Enter the name of the training topic or course attending (e.g., marketing fundamentals)
- Type of training – Enter the type of training (e.g., blended learning, gamification, hands-on training, etc.)
- Mode of training – Enter the mode of training (e.g., in-classroom, online, or hybrid)
- Training hours – Enter the number of hours this training should take to complete
- Start date – Enter the date the training started
- Status – Enter the status of the training (e.g., not started, in progress, or completed)
- Due date – Enter the date in which the training should be completed
- Score – If applicable, enter the score or grade achieved after completing the training
Bottom Line
The employee training methods selected should be based on the needs and goals of the company, as well as the learning styles of its employees. Continuous training will ensure that employees stay up-to-date with the latest practices and technologies in their field. With proper employee training, companies can increase productivity, improve job satisfaction, and ultimately see a positive impact on their bottom line.
If you need help creating an employee training program, consider Rippling. Its full-scale HR software provides training and onboarding programs that are ready to use with preloaded courses for some state-mandated training, like sexual harassment. Sign up to try it today.
