Training basically refers to the process of skill development for a particular purpose, that is, learning how to do something. Training can also be used to increase awareness and understanding.
Training can be undertaken on-the-job, off-the-job, through 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:
- Assessable—work needs to be completed to pass, or attendance only
- flexible or self paced, for example, via the internet or structured
- part time or full time
- short, that is, a few hours or longer duration, over a year.
There are also many different types of training courses currently available including:
- accredited certificate and diploma vocational courses
- apprenticeship and traineeship training
- awareness training courses
- induction courses such as safety training
- industry specific short courses
- literacy and numeracy, reading and writing courses
- refresher courses such as first aid.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
Training is important for the participating workforce in general or those wishing to join or re-enter the workforce. Recognising that most of us will change careers and certainly jobs several times during our working life, remaining up to date with new developments and re-skilling on a regular basis will help us to remain flexible and more employable in the ever changing environment of work. For instance, job seekers may need to undertake an accredited vocational training course or apprenticeship before they try to find work, to enable them to have the required skills to qualify for certain positions. Alternatively current workers may need to up skill or retrain for the purpose of maintaining their employability in their chosen career or to change careers or jobs.
Training has particular relevance for those workers who may have sustained an injury, for example, through workplace accident or suffered from an illness or condition that has left them unable to perform the duties previously required of them at work. An alternative career choice or job may be necessary if there has been a reduction or change in functioning. Relevant retraining is often associated with this transition into a new job role since new skills often need to be learnt. For example, if a tradesperson has suffered an injury which prevents them from undertaking heavy manual work, they may need to undertake an industry specific computer software course to develop computer assisted drafting skills necessary for a more suitable drafting position.
When considering training in the workplace, the following sources may be useful:
References:
Queensland Government—Department of Education and Training 2011, Training available for job seekers, Queensland Government, Brisbane, viewed 8 December 2011, http://training.qld.gov.au/industry/ppp/training-available/index.html.