Off the Job Training

Training Methods

Various methods of training are used to train the employees. It is varying from one organization to another. Various factors like skill requirement, qualification of the candidates, cost and time availability and indepth knowledge should be considered before adopting any given method. There are two principal methods of employee training which are used by the organization as given in the figure.

(II) Off the Job Training

Off the job training is the training method where in the workers/employees learn the job role away from the actual work floor. In other words training which is carried out away from your normal place of work. Off-the-job training comprises of a place specifically allotted for the training purpose which may be near the actual work place, where the workers are required to learn the skills and get well equipped with the tools and techniques that are to be used at the actual work floor.

i) Lecture Method

Under this method trainees are educated about concepts, theories, principles and application of knowledge in any particular area. Trainer may be generally drawn from Colleges, Universities, Consultancies, Institutions, Manufacturing concern, Union etc., They impart training effectively by their oratorical skill, knowledge and practical knowledge using audio visual tools.

ii) Group Discussion Method

Group of people participate and discuss particular subject or one topic. Under this method participants are divided into various groups. They were provided a particular issue for deliberation. Each groups has to prepare solution after deep discussion with their group members. The group leader has to present the solution to the audience,which will be discussed or deliberated by other groups. Moderator will give final solution after listening to divergent view points.

iii) Case Study Method

Trainees are described a situations which stimulate their interest to find solution. They have to use their theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge to find solution to the problem presented. There is no single solution to the problem. It may vary depending upon view points of trainees. In short, the purpose of case study method is, to make trainee apply their knowledge.

iv) Role Play Method

Under this method trainees are explained the situation and assigned roles. They have to act out the roles assigned to them without any rehearsal. There are no pre-prepared dialogues. Thus they have to assume role and play the role without any preparation. For example the role of customer and salesman, management and union leader, foreman and worker etc. may be played in the training arrangements. The moderator after observing the role played gives his views to the role players.

v) Seminar/Conference Method

This method enables the trainees to listen to the lectures / talk delivered on specific topics and provides opportunities to participate, to interact with the speaker and get their doubts clarified or select participants may be allowed to present papers with the audio visual aids as delegates. They share their rich experience at the seminar through their papers. Thus participants can widen and deepen their knowledge by their active participation at the conference. e.g. Doctors conference, Salesman Conference etc., This is one of the oldest method, but still a favorite training method.

vi) Field Trip Method

A field trip or field work or training in the field is a journey undertake by a group of employees/ trainees to a place away from their actual work site. In other words, trainees are taken to actual workplace/ site/facility to gain exposure and knowledge. They are explained the process of work by supervisor/ manager of the facility visisted by the partipants. They are free to clarity their doubts from the organization experts. This method helps the trainees to strengthen their theoretical knowledge obtained in a class room evironment by practical exposure.

vii) Vestibule Training Method

Vestibule training is training of employees in an environment similar to actual work environment artificially created for training purpose. This type of training is given to avoid any damage or loss to machinery in the actual place by trainees and avoid disturbing the normal workflow in the actual workplace. It is given to Drivers, Pilots, Space Scientists etc.,

viii) E-learning Method

E learning is the use of technological process to access of a traditional classroom or office. E learning is also often referred to us online learning or web based training. E learning training courses can save lakhs and lakhs of rupees to an organizations as they no longer have to pay for over time or costly seminar to improve employees skills. Under this type of web based training is anywhere and any time information can pass over the internet.

ix) Demonstration Training Method

This method is a visual display of how something works or how to do something. Demonstration involves showing by reason or proof explaining or making clear by use of examples or experiments. As an example, trainer shows the trainees how to perform or how to do the task of the job.

x) Programmed Instruction Method

Under this method, the subject matter to be learnt is presented in a series of units. These units are arranged from simple to complex level. It consists of three parts: Presenting facts, New knowledge and Question and Answer. Trainee has to read the unit understand the concept and take part in self-evaluation exercise. The system provides feedback on the accuracy of response given by trainee. On the successful completion of each and every unit, he/she will go to subsequent level. If hey forget, they should go back to original information. If they do not forget the information they are allowed to go to the next step for learning. Programmed instructions is made available in printed form i.e books, table, interactive video and other formats. Besides there are number of other advanced methods of training of the employees which will be taught to students in their higher studies