Training is similar to education. However, we use the term training when referring to adults rather than children. Training typically involves teaching people specific skills. Some training programs may teach a type of behavior. We also use the term for pets and other animals. When a puppy is a few months old we start house training it, i.e., teaching it to go to the toilet outside or on a newspaper in the house. In this article, we shall focus on training when it involves human beings.
In all cases, training aims to improve the trainee’s capability, performance, capacity, or productivity. A trainee is somebody undergoing training. We refer to the person who teaches the trainee as the trainer.
SITESPOWER, a training center in Dubai, says that in the world of business, training means:
“An organized activity which aims to teach people skills so that they can work more effectively or efficiently. A training course, for example, teaches knowledge and skills for a particular activity or job.”
If somebody is in training, it means they are practicing intensively for, for example, a sporting event.
Difference between training and education
Although training and education both deal with learning, their meanings are different.
Education
Education takes place in a school, college, or university. In other words, in an institution. It is a process of systematic learning.
A child’s education refers to his or her school, what is learnt and done there. Education refers to academic learning as well as learning ethics, right from wrong, good manners, behavior, etc.
Training
Training involves teaching either a special skill or behavior. Employees in a company or organization undergo training programs when they need to learn how to do something – when they need to acquire new skills.
If I work in a farm and I want to learn how to operate a combine harvester or tractor, my employer will need to find somebody to train me. We do not refer to this type of learning as education.
The only time children at school undergo training is when they are in a sports team. Their sports teacher or coach might say: “Training will take place at 2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.”
Why is training important?
We live in a fiercely competitive global marketplace today. What the consumer demands is forever changing and technology is advancing rapidly. Companies that do not adapt quickly will most likely fall by the wayside.
For companies to adapt, they need to acquire new technology, working procedures, and other workplace practices. In order to do this properly, their employees need to be trained.
If a company has a new computer software system, people need to know how to use it. They need to be trained. There is no point in purchasing or embracing new technology if nobody knows how to use it properly.
Good training offers the following benefits to both employers and their employees:
It addresses weaknesses
Most employees have gaps or weaknesses in their skills and abilities at work. Training programs help them turn those weaknesses into strengths, bringing them to a higher level.
Employee retention
Employee retention refers to an employer’s ability to keep its employees. According to Wikipedia: “Employee retention refers to the ability of an organization to retain its employees.”
If the average employee remains in Company A for 5 years and Company B for 8 years, Company B has better employee retention. Company A has a higher staff turnover.
Companies with comprehensive training programs have better employee retention than their counterparts that don’t.
Better performance
An effective training program can significantly improve the performance of a worker and also the whole workforce. Better performance leads to good quality products or services, which customers and their associates and friends soon get to hear about.
Employee morale
Workers feel more valued when they know that their employer is willing to invest in their training. A motivated workforce is good for business. Motivation is all about finding ways to encourage employees to want to do their best. One of the many benefits is low absenteeism. Workplace absenteeism is the practice of regularly staying away from work without a valid reason.
Productivity
A workforce with better skills can produce more with the same resources. That makes good business sense for any company. Your competitors are probably striving to boost productivity by training their workers. How competitive will your company be in one or two years’ time if productivity stays the same?
In today’s business world, good training is no longer an interesting benefit, it is essential for survival.