Training (Cambridge International IGCSE Business)
The importance of training
- Training is the process of increasing the knowledge and skills of the workforce to enable them to perform their jobs effectively
- There are three main types of training that businesses commonly use
Three common types of training are induction training, on-the-job and off-the-job training
- Businesses need to make sure that new and existing staff are trained and developed appropriately
Importance of training for the business:
- Staff are more productive and make fewer mistakes
- Staff are more adaptable to change
- Internal promotion becomes easier, saving recruitment costs
- Customers may receive better service
- Staff are less likely to leave, reducing turnover
Importance of training for employees:
- Feel valued and motivated
- Improve their skills and confidence
- Safer working environment
- Better chances of promotion and higher pay
Induction training
Spec point — types of training: induction training, on-the-job training and off-the-job training; advantages and disadvantages of the three types of training
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Induction training introduces employees to the organisation, its culture, policies, procedures and their job roles and responsibilities
- It is usually delivered as soon as possible after new workers join a business
- For example, induction training for new employee at Marks & Spencer covers customer service procedures, product knowledge, store policies and safety procedures
Common elements of induction training
*Induction training usually includes a tour of the premises, meeting key colleagues and instruction on key business policies *
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Some aspects of induction training need to be revisited by employees regularly
- Health and safety training needs to be carried out regularly, especially when new regulations come into effect
- When business policies change, employees need to understand the implications for their job role
Evaluating induction training
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| - It helps new employees understand their job roles and responsibilities - Improves employee confidence and motivation - Reduces time for new employees to become productive | - It can be time-consuming and expensive to organise - May not cover all aspects of the job role - May not be effective in all cases, leading to employee dissatisfaction and higher staff turnover rates |
On-the-job training
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On-the-job training occurs when employees learn skills and knowledge from colleagues while performing their job duties
- It takes place while employees are working in their job roles
- It can involve work shadowing, in-house training sessions or IT-based training programmes
- For example, a sous chef at The Ivy Restaurant in York receives on-the-job training from the Head Chef to learn how to prepare new dishes, use equipment and improve cooking techniques
Evaluating on-the-job training
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| - Employees learn new skills and knowledge while performing their job duties - Training is tailored to the business and the employee's specific job role and responsibilities - Training is often practical and relevant to the employee's job duties - Can be low-cost as it takes place during working hours | - Employees may make mistakes while learning or trainers could pass on bad habits which may impact productivity and quality - Can be disruptive to the workplace as it requires the trainer to devote time to training the employee - May not be effective in all cases, leading to employee dissatisfaction and higher staff turnover rates |
Off-the-job training
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Off-the-job training takes place away from or outside of the workplace
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It can be in the form of college/university courses, workshops, seminars, conferences or online courses
- For example, teachers attend exam board training days, where they learn how to deliver the syllabus and help students prepare for exams
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Evaluating off-the-job training
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| - Employees learn new skills and knowledge outside of the workplace, which can **bring fresh ideas **and new perspectives to the workplace - Training can be tailored to the employee's specific needs and interests - Training can be used as a reward or incentive for high-performing employees - Can be cost-effective if training is provided online or through webinars | - Can be expensive to organise, especially if** travel and accommodation** are required - Employees may miss work while attending training, which can impact productivity - The training may not be directly applicable to the employee's job role or the needs of the firm |
Exam Hint Examiners often test why training matters – remember it benefits both employees (skills, confidence) and the business (productivity, quality, lower turnover). Always cover both sides for stronger answers
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