The Vital Roles of Training and Development Managers

Training and Development is one of several functions of Human Resources and is fundamental in the development of the organization’s employees.  The Human Resources Training and Development Team works closely with the organization’s department managers to ensure that employees are given ample opportunities to grow continually by encouraging them to develop new skills and perspectives-and to also provide effective training to enhance current job skills.  Effective training is very important-in that it will prepare workers with the necessary skills needed to perform their jobs more effectively and efficiently.  In short, HR team and management work together to develop talented employees.

First and foremost, managers will need to identify and determine the appropriate training needed for the employees via job analysis. What type of training is needed? How will the training benefit the employee?  How will the training benefit the company in general?  When making decisions for training programs, managers will need to plan strategically, adopting programs that will benefit the employees as well as the company.  Fostering training programs that will engage employees are most valuable. Most managers are approved a budget allowance for training programs by the company’s executives and therefore can predetermine which programs best meets the needs of the employees and the cost of such. 

At the completion of each training program, managers should elicit feedback from the attendees to determine the learning outcome of the training. What did the employees learn?  Is more training needed in a specific area(s)?  What training is needed in other areas? Managers should also award each attendee a certificate of completion, signed and dated.  The certificate will confirm that the individual has attended training in entirety and has acquired specific knowledge that is needed to increase job performance. This in itself should motivate employees to work more effectively to attain organizational goals.

Proper training can also aid in job satisfaction, high morale, and job retention.  When employees know that the company has their best interest in mind, they will more than likely work better and remain loyal to the company. Employee training can be conducted in-house or off site. Employees are also given the opportunity to attend seminars that enhance job understanding as well.  Either way, the training is intended for the betterment of the employees and the company overall.  Excellent training will also have a positive impact on customer satisfaction.

In an effort to stay current with technological trends and changes, Human Resources Training and Development team should collaborate with department managers to motivate employees to tap into their hidden potential to develop new technologies and individual growth. Employees who continue to enhance their skills will achieve greater success than those who fail to do so.  Employees can use their newly acquired skills to take on new job advancements in their company and with other organizations as well.   

Education is also a very important aspect of employee development because when employees choose to further their education, it demonstrates personal achievements and the company benefits as well. Offering tuition reimbursement benefits can serve as an incentive for employees to continue their education and accomplish their goals.
Other training techniques include; on the job training, job shadowing, cross training. and e-learning.

On the job training involves, the training of current or new employee(s) by an employee or manager who has advance job knowledge, skills, and experience about specific jobs and/or office equipment. 

Job shadowing involves, current or new employee observing an experienced employee perform his or her job duties for an extended period of time- in order to learn how to effectively execute that job and/or how to properly use office equipment.

Cross training involves, employees training each other on how to perform each one’s job per the directive of a supervisor or manager. Consequently, employees will be able to perform all work- related tasks effectively and efficiently when called upon to do so.

E-learning, one of the most cost-effective training technique, allows the employees to learn via the internet, intranet, audio, or CD at one's own pace to acquire valuable knowledge and skills.  Employees should be able to apply the knowledge and skills to their current jobs.