Understanding training
Training is fundamental to workforce capability. It ensures employees can perform their roles effectively, comply with legal requirements, and develop careers within the organisation. Effective training improves productivity, safety, and employee engagement.
Training purposes
- Skills development
- Compliance requirements
- Safety and WHS
- Career progression
Business benefits
- Improved performance
- Reduced errors
- Better retention
- Legal compliance
Types of training
- Onboarding: Initial training for new employees covering role basics, systems, and company orientation
- Compliance: Mandatory training for legal and regulatory requirements (WHS, anti-discrimination, industry-specific)
- Technical/skills: Job-specific skills and knowledge development
- Soft skills: Communication, teamwork, customer service, leadership
- Product: Training on company products and services
- Safety: WHS training, emergency procedures, hazard awareness
- Professional development: Career growth, management, specialised certifications
Training must be accessible
Employers must ensure training is accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities, non-English speakers, and different learning styles. Inaccessible training may constitute indirect discrimination under Australian law.
Legal requirements
Australian training obligations
Training best practices
Planning
- Conduct needs assessments
- Set clear learning objectives
- Choose appropriate methods
- Allocate adequate time
Delivery
- Mix methods (classroom, online, on-the-job)
- Include practical application
- Evaluate effectiveness
- Gather and act on feedback
Common training mistakes
Training without objectives
Training for its own sake without clear goals wastes time and money. Define what employees should be able to do differently after training and measure whether that's achieved.
One-size-fits-all approach
Different roles, experience levels, and learning styles require different approaches. Customise training to audience needs rather than delivering generic programs to everyone.
Training then forgetting
Without reinforcement, training is quickly forgotten. Follow up with practice opportunities, coaching, and refreshers. Knowledge retention requires ongoing support.
Key takeaways
Training develops employee skills and supports compliance with legal requirements. Effective training requires clear objectives, appropriate methods, and ongoing reinforcement. In Australia, employer-required training must be paid as work time.
RosterElf's staff management helps Australian businesses schedule training sessions alongside regular shifts and track employee development.
