Technical training, or hard skills training, is a type of training that focuses on employee development in certain skills and competencies, making them acquire for a particular role. In this article we will explain the types training and development.
What is training and development?
Training and development is the process of providing opportunities for employees to gain knowledge and experience in their field of work. The approach can improve productivity and mitigate errors, as well as meeting the career goals of the professionals who make up the staff.
Importance of training and development in the company
Training and development is essential for employees to expand their knowledge and skills and further contribute to the company’s business. The proper program can improve several factors, leading to effective performance of duties.
Employers can also use on-the-job training to direct employees or teams and fill vacant positions through the departure of other professionals, thus creating a line of succession.
The types of training and development are also essential to adapt to changes in the environment, as they renew concepts and work with current trends.
This approach also improves the employee experience and reduces turnover , as workers will feel encouraged and valued, which contributes to a sense of belonging and a sense of professional accomplishment.
Types of training and development in the company
Now that you know the importance, we list the main types of training and development below, along with some examples for application in your company:
1-onboarding training
Integration, also called onboarding , consists of a series of training sessions aimed at new employees, whether permanent, interns or young apprentices. The process is usually conducted in the first week of work and aims to provide the newcomer with information to perform their role satisfactorily as quickly as possible.
Usually conducted by the Human Resources department with the help of managers in related areas, the orientation and integration program aims to educate the new employee on a wide range of topics, such as:
- Corporative culture
- Mission, vision and company values
- Organizational structure
- company policies
- Administrative procedures such as computer logins, VPN and email settings
- Safety at work
- Paperwork for new hire
- benefit plans
- Access to information and skills
- goals
- Technical aspects of the work
- development cycles
- Duties of the collaborator
- dress code
2-refresher training
This type of training is offered to incorporate the latest news on a particular subject or area, all to update employees’ skills. It can also be applied before a promotion.
3-Technical training
Technical training, also called hard skills training, is a type of training that focuses on developing employees in certain skills and competencies, making them acquire the skills needed for a particular role.
Employees who are already technically competent can undergo refresher training to acquire new skills and keep up to date with the latest technologies and processes.
Some examples of technical skills learned through this type of training are:
- Essay
- Data analysis
- Schedule
- sales techniques
4-behavioral training
Soft skills training aims to work on behavioral and personality traits that are usually used to perform better at work and relate to other people.
This type of training can include being friendly with customers, receiving guidance on sexual harassment and ethics, motivating others, and setting priorities.
In a retail or restaurant environment, soft skills are used in every interaction and are a key component of the customer experience. In addition, many problems in organizations occur due to lack of interpersonal skills. As a result, HR and managers must work together to strengthen these points, whether through internally or externally administered training.
Examples of subjects covered in such programs include:
- Communication
- Problems solution
- Team work
- Leadership
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
- work ethics
5-Work safety course
This type of training takes place to avoid accidents at work.
It is especially important for organizations that use chemicals or other types of hazardous materials in their production, as well as those whose employees are at risk of falls and injuries. It may also include an evacuation plan, fire drill, first aid and food safety.
6-quality training
Quality training usually takes place in factories, as it trains employees so that all products meet quality standards imposed by the company and regulatory bodies. This type of program covers subjects such as:
- Compliance with quality standards
- Quality control processes
- Prevention and elimination of low quality products
- Evaluation and improvement of the production system
In-person vs online training
The choice between conducting online or face-to-face training depends on several factors. For example, in remote work systems, the ideal is to give preference to keeping programs online, while in face-to-face work formats they can be done in loco.
If the company covers both forms of work, it is worth evaluating other aspects to determine the appropriate methodology.
One of them is the student profile. For example, virtual corporate training is best for people who are shy, difficult to communicate, self-employed or self-taught.
Another aspect to be observed is the dynamics of the program. If it covers practical activities or requires specific machines, it is best to keep the course within the company.
Finally, the time required to complete the training also changes from e-learning to face-to-face training. The first is usually faster, as students can do it simultaneously, while the second can be divided by logistical issues, such as number of students and space.
