Training basically refers to the process of skill development for a particular purpose such as learning how to do something. Training can also be used to increase awareness and understanding of new concepts and skills.
Training can be undertaken on-the-job and by completing a course of study or a combination of both. Training courses can vary in the way they are delivered, depending on the needs of the learner. For instance they can be:
- flexible or self-paced such as those offered via the internet
- formal and structured
- part-time or full-time
- short, such as for a few hours or for completion over a longer duration such as a year
- assessable where the work needs to be completed to pass or results are based on attendance only.
There are also many different types of training courses currently available including:
- disability awareness training courses
- industry specific short courses like obtaining a forklift ticket
- staff induction courses such as workplace safety
- refresher courses such as required with first aid qualifications
- accredited certificate and diploma vocational courses
- apprenticeship and traineeship training.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
When employing people with a disability, employers may need to consider investing in training and development of their own training programmes, in order to successfully recruit and retain workers. Relevant training areas include:
- legal responsibilities
- barrier free job advertising and application processes
- disability awareness in the workplace
- availability of funding through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).
References:
Vision Australia 2010, Working with People with Vision Loss, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 8 December 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/docs/factsheets/Working%20with%20people%20with%20vision%20loss.doc.