Choosing the Best Job Training Programs

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All job training programs are grouped into two general categories. The first is training methods for operatives and the second is training methods for managers. Consider each of these areas and the training and development options available so you can choose the best job training program for your company.

Training for Operatives

Training and development for operatives focuses on a new employee that is assigned a specific job at a machine, workshop
or laboratory. The new employee is trained by inexperienced employee or a supervisor who goes over the methods of handling tools and operating the machines or other related functions.

The first option is vestibule training which involves creating a separate training center within the company itself that serves the purpose of training and development for new employees. This type of job training program is overseen by inexperienced instructor. The training center will also manage machines and tools in order to create working conditions better, similar to those employees will experience on the work force. The advantage to this method of training is you don't have any interference with regular production. The disadvantage is that it can be costly and doesn't add anything to productions during the employee training period.

Another option is apprenticeship training which provides the trainee with the skill and knowledge they need in a trade or crafts that requires a long job training program in order to gain complete proficiency. Often these job training program require trainees to work as apprentices under direct supervision of experts for periods that range from 2 to 7 years. With this job training program trainees get actual work experience while on the job. However, this method is also very expensive for the company and does not come with a guarantee that a trained worker will continue to work in the same manner after training is completed.

Lastly, there is the option of internship training. This is generally offered to skilled and technical personnel. This type of training focuses on providing a balance between theoretical and practical knowledge so the students from a technical institution can gain practical work experience.

Training for Managers

The most important asset a company can have is executive talent. While this type of talent does not appear on any balance sheet for the company it does provide more important affects on the progress of company, its profits and the price of its stock that any other asset or possession a company can have. Consider some top training and development options for managers.

The first option for manager training is known as observation assignment. With this type of job training program a newly recruited executive is made an assistant to the current job holder. This way the newly hired executive can learn by experience, observation an imitation. When decisions are discussed with the new executive they can become knowledgeable on the company policies and theories that are involved in making decisions.

The second choice is position rotation which requires rotating the trainee executive through different managerial positions. With this option you can broaden and enrich the experience of the individual as a manager and also allow them to understand interdepartmental relations and the need to coordinate and cooperate among various departments.

Third, is to serve on committees. While an executive serves on a committee they can learn not only the organizational problems but the views of senior and more experienced members as well as learning how manager should work with the overall needs of the business.

Another option is to assign them to special projects. For example, you may ask a trainee to develop a system of cost allocation for certain production goods when an order has been received. While the trainees work on this project they will gain knowledge about the process as well as learn how to work with and relate to the different views of individuals.

Yet another choice is conference and seminars. This type of training offers the advantage combining their ideas from different organizations and experience levels in order to solve a mutual problem. Through conferences and seminars there is a joint exploration attitude that encourages ideas across all organizations.

The sixth option is to use a case study. This is when a written account is provided for an actual situation. This helps to bring some reality into the classroom setting to be discussed by both the class and instructor. However a case study is always successful in the hands of a capable instructor who can guide the intelligent discussion analysis of the students in such a way that it provides a meaningful learning experience.

Lastly, there is laboratory training or sensitivity training. With this type of training you are focusing on increasing the managers understanding of themselves as well as their impact on others. Often this training is done in the form of a group discussion to discuss changes in policy. Laboratory training focuses on achieving behavioral effectiveness for transactions within the business environment.