10 Examples of Training Programs and Their Benefits

Creating a training program can help new hires learn about a company quickly and educate long-term employees about any recent policy changes. Employees who receive extensive training that prepares them for the job often report higher job satisfaction overall. Learning about different types of training programs can help you determine the most beneficial option for your organization and situation.

In this article, we discuss the benefits of effective training programs and provide 10 examples of different programs your company can use to educate employees.

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What are the benefits of effective training programs?

Effective training programs can help companies succeed by educating their employees on company values, policies and best practices. Here are some benefits of effective training programs:

• They reduce the need for supervision. Employees who undergo a training program on company expectations and proper techniques may know how to perform their job responsibilities independently. If staff members can self-motivate and self-direct on a day-to-day basis, their managers also can dedicate more time to high-level tasks, like developing project steps or preparing schedules.

• They boost morale. When employees feel their employer is taking care of them, they may express more satisfaction in their career path and perform work duties more efficiently. High morale levels can also help employees innovate new ideas at faster rates, which can enhance the quality of their project results.

• They increase productivity. Regular training can better ensure every employee knows an updated version of a company's best practices, which can improve their overall productivity. Including training sessions can allow employees to feel more secure in their positions and more knowledgeable about a company's mission statement, helping it accomplish long-term goals.

• They allow everyone to work uniformly. When all employees learn the same techniques in a training program, they can better collaborate on future projects and resolve any unexpected situations more effectively. They may also complete assignment steps at faster rates while still providing high-quality results.

• They help employees feel valued. Employees who receive consistent training may feel a company invests in their professional development. As a result, these organizations may experience higher productivity rates and receive more long-term staff members.

Related: 11 Tips for Training Recruiters (Plus 5 Benefits of Effective Training)

10 examples of training programs

Employee training may occur during the first week at a new company or periodically throughout the duration of their employment. Here are 10 examples of training programs to consider:

1. Orientation

Many new employees undergo an orientation process during their first few days at a company to learn critical information about their job position. For example, they might discuss their benefit plan with a human resources (HR) department, meet coworkers and learn about the organization's value system. Orientations are often an important step in the recruitment process, as they can be an employee's opportunity to learn how the company functions on a day-to-day basis. Depending on a company's structure, instructors may present information in a classroom environment or host one-on-one discussions.

2. Onboarding

Onboarding is a training process that helps new employees learn key information about their job position and a company's protocols. It may involve tasks like entering a staff member's personal information into an internal computer system, explaining their job duties and providing important tools for career success. When onboarding with a group of new employees, the company may provide lecture-based instructions or digital presentations. These processes can last between a few weeks to a year, depending on a company's preferences and an employee's needs.

3. Internal training

Internal training is when current employees work with new hires to discuss skill-building techniques and other professional development goals. This process can be especially valuable when you're hiring a few employees at a time, as organizing a small-scale training seminar allows you to focus on their specific questions or concerns. Internal training can also allow new employees to receive more tailored instruction, as their instructors understand key protocols and strategies for a specific company.

4. Outsourced training

Outsourced training describes when a company hires a professional to train employees on a certain skill set. Hiring a specialized company to host a training session can help you provide information to an entire department quickly, as these professionals may have additional learning resources and strategies to better instruct large groups. They may also offer a unique perspective on workplace procedures, as they may introduce unfamiliar strategies that benefit a company's practices or streamline its operations.

5. Industry conferences

Industry conferences are events where professionals meet together over a certain length of time to network with each other, share knowledge and listen to advice from hired speakers. Industry conferences can be a great way for employers to learn updated information about field-based workplace strategies, then adapt these lessons into training programs for their employees. Conferences may also provide training sessions on industry-specific skill sets through workshops and seminars.

Related: 10 Tips To Help You Become an Effective Conference Speaker

6. Management training

Management training teaches employees how to oversee a team effectively. Companies that promote from within may find management training useful, as these employees may require additional resources on how to perform the responsibilities of the role. Management training can be a great way to teach new managers about best practices and a company's protocols for supervisors. These employees can also use these programs to build upon the skills that earned them a promotion.

7. Technical skills training

Technical skills training involves teaching both newer and long-term employees how to apply their technical knowledge to their job position. Technology-based companies often provide this type of training program to software development and engineering staff, as they may require specific protocols and requirements for a computer system. Organizations from varied industries that use unique software or computer systems may also find this training program beneficial for employees.

8. Shadowing

Shadowing describes a process where two employees follow each other throughout the workday to gain insight into different job positions within the same company. This program can involve two experienced employees or a new employee paired with a more accomplished staff member. When two equally experienced employees shadow each other, they may learn new techniques they can apply to their own workflow. If a new employee shadows a long-term staff member, they might gain valuable experience by observing how that individual conducts their work tasks and follows a company's policies.

9. Product training

Product training involves providing employees with briefings about the development of new merchandise. This process may be especially helpful for companies that develop new product models frequently, as employees may appreciate updates on any changes. Employees who work in customer service can find this training program particularly helpful, as their job typically involves providing in-depth explanations of a product's features. It can also allow these staff members to better resolve any issues regarding merchandise for a customer.

Related: How To Improve Products Knowledge

10. Mandatory training

Mandatory training is a program that a federal or state regulation requires employees to complete. Employees who work in precarious conditions often undergo mandatory training to learn about potential hazards of their job responsibilities, plus what protocols to follow if an emergency occurs at the workplace. Some states also require employees to take training courses on how to prevent workplace harassment, handle sharp tools or administer first aid.