Training & Development Methods (OCR GCSE Business)

Revision Note

Written by: Lisa Eades

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 It 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 It 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, demonstrations, 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 It can be cost-effective if training is provided online or through webinars	It 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

Staff Development

Staff development refers to longer-term training programmes that are focused on improving a wide range of employee skills
Businesses may offer apprenticeships, professional development programmes which provide an opportunity to study for a formal vocational or academic qualification related to their work

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are programmes that combine practical training in a job with study
- Employees commit to work for a business for an extended period of time, often at a relatively low rate of pay
- In return, they receive on-the-job training and time allocated to study, usually at a college or university
In the UK, apprenticeships for young people are often attract government subsidies

An Evaluation of Apprenticeships

Stakeholder	Advantages	Disadvantages
Employee	Training can be undertaken while earning an income A relevant qualification can be earned that can support career progression within a business Training is varied and focused, which is likely to engage the worker	Apprentices usually receive a low rate of pay during training Qualifications may have limited application to roles with other businesses, limiting career progression Lifetime earnings of apprentices tend to be lower than those of graduates
Employer	The training of apprentices may be cheaper than recruiting skilled workers Government subsidies cover some of the cost of training activities Apprentices often remain with a business following training, improving staff retention	Courses provided by colleges or universities can be very expensive While they learn, apprentices are often less productive than skilled workers Apprentices may leave before their training is complete, wasting money

Professional development programmes

Professional development programmes may be offered to staff to further enhance skills and qualifications
Examples of professional development include:
- Attending industry-specific conferences and seminars
- Enrolling on courses to achieve vocational or academic qualifications, such as a degree
- Membership of professional bodies and engagement with projects or research they undertake
Offering high-quality opportunities for professional development can be very attractive to applicants for vacancies
Businesses can also be recognised for their commitment to professional development
- E.g The Investors in People award recognises businesses that provide outstanding support for their worker's development
However, delivering high quality professional development can be expensive
- Staff absent due to training may require cover
- Courses and other training activities may involve a significant cost
- Investment in staff development is lost if a staff member chooses to leave a business

Examiner Tips and Tricks

When evaluating suitable approaches to training and development, consider the impact on employee motivation. Staff who receive high quality training often feel motivated because the business has invested in them. This can make them more loyal and eager to do well at work.

Last updated: 25 June 2024

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