On & Off the job Training (Edexcel IGCSE Business)

Revision Note

Written by: Lisa Eades

On-the-job Training Methods

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
- For example, 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 or improve cooking techniques

The Advantages & Disadvantages of On-the-Job Training

Advantages	Disadvantages
Employees learn new skills and knowledge while performing their job duties Training is tailored to the employee's specific job role and responsibilities Training is often practical and relevant to the employee's job duties Can be cost-effective 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 Methods

Off-the-job training takes place away from or outside of the workplace
It can be in the form of workshops, seminars, conferences or online courses
- For example, teachers attend exam board training days, where they learn how to deliver the syllabus and help students to prepare for exams

The Advantages & Disadvantages 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

You may need to evaluate a particular type of training or recommend one to a business

Think about the nature of the role and whether on or off-the-job training would be the most appropriate.

E.g. On-the-job training may be suitable for a hotel porter who has many hands on aspects to the role and needs to learn quickly. In comparison, employees that need training in a new software may need training sessions from an expert so show step by step how to use it in their role

Last updated: 13 November 2024

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