On the job training done while the employee is doing their normal job while at the workplace.
E.g. a senior employee helps the junior employee comprehend all the tasks and acquire new skills needed to carry out the job efficiently.
Advantages
- Cost effective: using in-house specialists.
- Training is more relevant as it is specifically for the firm.
- Reduces disruption to daily operations as it is on site.
- Helps establish relationships and promote teamwork.
- The location is convenient for workers and trainers.
Disadvantages
- Trainees may pick up bad practices.
- Internal trainers may lack up to date training.
- Trainers cannot complete their own work whilst training new workers.
- May be incomplete due to a lack of resources.
- Productivity may be low until all skills are learnt.
Induction training the training received when first starting a job, this is a type of on the job training.
Advantages
- Establishes expectations and good working habits from the start.
- Helps new workers understand the corporate culture.
- Speeds up settling in process.
- Morale is boosted when new recruits feel more confident.
Disadvantages
- Can be time consuming.
- Key staff need to be freed from their duties.
- Information overload for new recruits.
- Induction can be lengthy in large firms.
Mentoring another type of OTJ training involving a dyad of a mentor and a mentee. The mentor shares their experiences with the mentee to help them gain skills and knowledge.
Advantages
- Synergy is created as it shares personal experiences.
- Mentoring can be informal/formal.
- Good mentors create a positive environment for mentees to act without fear of punishment.
Disadvantages
- Time consuming for mentors.
- Mismatched pairings can be stressful.
- Requires long-term commitment which can disrupt business operations.
- Training mentors might be costly.
Off the job training happens outside working hours, where the employees are being trained away from the job. This could involve workshops, conferences etc.
Advantages
- Experts who may not exist internally are able to be used.
- A wider range of training can be provided.
- There are no distractions from colleagues at an offsite venue.
- Networking can take place, so employees can meet new people.
Disadvantages
- There is a potential loss of output whilst workers attend the offsite training course.
- Hiring specialist trainers can be very expensive, and transport/accommodation costs may add cost.
- It is debatable whether all skills are transferable to the business.
- Finding time for staff to get off work can be difficult.
Cognitive training focuses on helping employees develop their thinking and processing skills. This type of training is of crucial importance for businesses that require their employees to make quick, wise and effective decisions, link investment banking, marketing departments of companies etc.
Advantages
- Helps workers improve their mental processes acquire new knowledge, aid decision-making and solve work-related problems.
Disadvantages
- May not cater for workers with different goals.
- Can be expensive.
- Might not meet the needs of an organisation.
- Difficult to measure effects of the training.
Behavioural training focuses on helping employees develop certain interpersonal skills such as stress management, communication, dealing with emotions etc.
