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The flexibility of mixing and matching training program components allows managers to easily and efficiently adjust to changing regulatory requirements and budget constraints. Often, the delivery of well-designed computer- or Internet-based training can offer dramatic cost savings. However, cheaper training doesn’t necessarily translate to better training or regulatory compliance, and managers should always have more than one training tool in their toolbox.
Additional training methods that can enhance the effectiveness of your training program include hands-on and classroom training.
Hands-On Training
Experiential, or hands-on, training has several strengths:
- It is effective for training in new procedures and new equipment.
- It is immediately applicable to trainees’ jobs.
- It allows trainers to immediately determine whether a trainee has learned the new skill or procedure.
Hands-on techniques include:
- Cross-training. This method allows employees to experience other jobs, which not only enhances employee skills but also gives companies the benefit of having employees who can perform more than one job.
- Demonstrations. Demonstrations are an excellent way to teach employees to use new equipment or to teach the steps in a new process. They are also effective in teaching safety skills.
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- Coaching. Coaching focuses on the individual needs of an employee and is generally less formal than other kinds of training. A manager, supervisor, or veteran employee serves as the coach, answering questions, correcting errors, and providing support and feedback for an employee whose performance could stand to improve.
- Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships combine supervised training on the job with classroom instruction in a formal, structured program that can last for a year or more.
- Drills. Drilling is a good way for employees to practice skills. Evacuation drills are effective when training emergency preparedness, for example.
Classroom Training
Classroom or instructor-led training can be resource-intensive, both in terms of time and money, but as part of your overall training program, it can be extremely effective.
Classroom training strategies include:
- Blackboard or whiteboard. This “old-fashioned” method can be effective, especially if you invite trainees to write on the board or ask for feedback about what you write on the board.
- Videos break up lectures and explain sections of the training topic or that present case studies for discussion.
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- PowerPoint® presentations can create customized group training sessions that are led by an instructor and can accommodate large numbers of trainees, or be used individually, allowing for easy makeup sessions for employees who miss the group session.
- Storytelling. Stories, followed by debriefing questions, can be used as examples of right and wrong ways to perform skills with the outcome of each way described.
- Webinars. With advances in technology and software, it has become increasingly easy and affordable to lead a training session remotely. PowerPoint presentations can be broadcast to many computers simultaneously while the instructor speaks on the content. Live interaction with the instructor is usually possible as well.
Need more information on using a variety of training methods effectively? You can find it at Safety.BLR.com®.