About Employee Training Methods

There are several types of employee training methods. While some work better than others in certain
professions, at times it is merely a matter of the personal preference of the employer. Organizations may test
new employee training methods to evaluate their effectiveness before making a particular method a standard
part of the training process.

Identification
1. The primary types of employee training methods include hands-on training, self-study, Internet-based
training, group classroom style and seminars. Hands-on training is most appropriate for professions and careers
that involve manual labor, such as factory work. For these types of jobs, it can be difficult to adequately train a
new employee through a textbook. Many other organizations use a combination of these types of training
methods.
Function
2. Employee training methods serve to prepare employees to perform the essential functions of their jobs.
Employee training can be costly to an organization, so many companies test different employee training
methods to determine which are the most cost-effective and adequate for teaching the employees the
information they need to know. Many organizations have ongoing employee training needs, so it's important for
them to develop efficient training delivery methods.
Self-Study Training
3. Self-study training methods involve written materials that new employees review on an independent
basis. Most often, self-study materials include such items as the employee handbook, a written document
outlining standards of conduct and information relevant to the company and its industry.
Internet-Based Training
4. Internet-based training is also an independent training method. In this case, the training materials and
information are located on a website or company intranet, rather than being printed. Internet-based training has
the benefit of allowing greater interactivity, such as short quizzes, exercises and games, the employee can
participate in while going through the materials.
Group Classroom Training
5. Group classroom training and seminars are similar. Both involve the use of a trainer or speaker, who
presents information to a group of employees. This method typically is used when several employees require
training at the same time, as well as for continuing education training.
Hands-On Training
6. Hands-on training is used in situations in which it would be impossible to show an employee how to do
something without being physically present. Hands-on training is used in manufacturing, health care and any
other profession that features physical activity as a primary job function. For example, it is possible to explain
how to draw blood from a patient using written words. However, it is easier and more thorough to show an
employee how to draw blood and allow her to practice under supervision.