Methods of Training (AQA GCSE Business)

Revision Note

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Lisa Eades

Written by: Lisa Eades

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Induction Training

  • Induction training is usually delivered as soon as possible after new workers join a business

  • It introduces employees to the organisation, its culture, policies, procedures and their job roles and responsibilities

    • E.g. Induction training for new employee at Marks & Spencer covers customer service procedures, product knowledge, store policies and safety procedures

 Diagram: Common Elements of Induction Training  

Induction training usually includes a tour of the premises, meeting key colleagues and instruction on key business policies  

Induction training usually includes a tour of the premises, meeting key colleagues and instruction on key business policies  

  • 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

Evaluation of 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 turnover rates

On the job Training

  • On-the-job training takes place while employees are working in their job roles

    • Employees learn skills and knowledge from colleagues while performing their job duties

    • It can involve work shadowing, in-house training sessions or IT-based training programmes

      • E.g. 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

An Evaluation of 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 turnover rates

Off the job Training

  • Off-the-job training takes place away from or outside of the workplace

  • It can be in the form of college/university courses, workshops, seminars, conferences or online courses

    • E.g. Teachers attend exam board training days, where they learn how to deliver the syllabus and help students prepare for exams

An Evaluation of Off-the-Job Training

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • Employees learn new skills and knowledge outside of the workplace, which can bring fresh ideas and 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

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Make sure that you can accurately distinguish between on the job and off the job training, and understand their key benefits and drawbacks of each. Analysis of training methods is a common focus for longer answers.

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Lisa Eades

Author: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.

Steve Vorster

Author: Steve Vorster

Expertise: Economics & Business Subject Lead

Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.