Job Training Methods
There are many different job training methods. For some professions, it's necessary to complete formal training before entering the field. In other industries, on-the-job training is the norm. For some jobs, both pre-employment education and post-hire training are needed. Before choosing a profession, it's a good idea to investigate what type of training is necessary for entry into and advancement within the field.
A college education is an important type of job training for many occupations. There are several types and levels of degree programs available. It's important to determine the type of degree that might be preferred or required by employers who hire people to work in the profession you are interested in entering.
For many fields, a college degree is required before you are eligible to even be considered for employment. Fields that require college degrees and licenses to practice include engineer, nursing, teaching, and many others.
Sometimes one of the best ways to get the training you need to work in a particular field is to spend some time actually working in the environment without pay. Many schools offer internship programs, which allow students to earn college credit in exchange for working a certain number of hours at participating businesses.
Going to college isn't the only way to get career training. Many trades offer excellent salaries and require specific skills that aren't likely to be included in a traditional college curriculum. Many community colleges and career schools offer trade school programs designed to prepare people for careers in fields such as:
- Auto Body Repair
- Engine Repair and Maintenance
Some companies and labor unions offer apprenticeship programs. Individuals interesting in learning a particular trade apply to participate. Those who are accepted spend a pre-determined number of hours engaged in formal classroom training, on-the-job training, and performing actual work in the field. Graduates are typically obligated to work for the sponsoring organization for a period of time following successful completion. Many shipbuilding companies, pubic utilities, and aircraft maintenance stations offer these job training methods as a way to ensure a sufficient pool of qualified workers.
Vestibule Training (Simulation)
When true on-the-job training isn't viable, businesses sometimes turn to vestibule training to make sure their employees have the skills necessary to perform their work. This type of training involves simulations. New employees work with equipment and scenarios that simulate what they will face once they start working in the field. Call centers, for example, place trainees on simulation equipment like what they will use to communicate with customers and have them field staged calls. Companies and training institutions that train aircraft pilots require their trainees to work with simulation equipment before allowing them to fly actual airplanes.
For some jobs, mentoring is the most common form of workplace training. New employees, or incumbent workers who are being considered for promotions, are assigned to experienced people who function as mentors for them. Mentors provide their trainees with job-related instruction, coaching, and performance evaluation feedback.
Fast Track Management Training
Companies whose leaders are focused on succession planning often offer fast track management training programs. Workers who exhibit the traits that the company is looking for in future leaders are invited to participate in formal training designed to prepare them to move into managerial positions as they become available. These programs typically include a combination of seminars, mentoring, and on-the-job training.
Organizations concerned with maintaining a team of fully credentialed professionals encourage their employees to earn professional certifications. In organizations where certifications are valued, employees are provided opportunities to enroll in preparation courses to help them get ready to sit for the appropriate examinations. These types of certifications include Microsoft and COMPTIA certification for information technology professionals and PHR and SPHR certification for human resources practitioners.