Part 2: 5 Types of Employee Training Programs

Continuing on with our look into employee training programs, we now have five more types of training programs that have proven successful in various industries. These are: Leadership skills training, Technical training, Soft Skills Development Training, Product Knowledge Training, and Food Safety Training. These training programs provide employees the opportunity to gain a broader view of the company by rotating through different roles. 

5 Types of Employee Training Programs

1. Employee Leadership Skills Training

Employee leadership training is a type of professional development program that focuses on teaching employees the skills and knowledge needed to become effective leaders. The training usually covers topics such as communication, decision-making, problem-solving, feedback, coaching, change management, delegation, conflict resolution, and team building. Most programs also encourage employees to practice the learned skills through experiential exercises, role-playing simulations, and practice scenarios.

Benefits of Leadership Skills Training:

• Improved communication: Leadership training helps employees become better communicators. Training workshops allow them to learn effective communication strategies, hone their skills and understand how better communication contributes to greater productivity. 

• Enhanced problem-solving skills: Leadership training helps employees nurture analytical and critical thinking skills, which can result in more innovative ideas for problem-solving. 

• Motivated workforces: Leadership training encourages employees to take ownership of their roles and become more invested in their work. Training can even help create a more positive work environment. 

• Increased productivity: Once employees understand their role and the associated skills required to be an effective leader, they can become more efficient and productive. 

• Stronger team collaboration: Leadership training teaches employees how to work effectively and efficiently with others. This kind of training helps employees practice collaboration and understand how to utilize each other’s strengths for the success of the team.

2. Technical Training

Technical training in the workplace is a form of employee training that focuses on helping employees with the technical skills they need to effectively do their job. It can encompass a range of topics, from software and hardware-specific training to customer service training and process optimization. Technical training helps employees stay up to date with the latest technologies, techniques, and methods in their field, as well as help them better understand and use the tools and resources available at their workplace.

Technical Training Benefits

• Increased Employee Efficiency: Technical training is designed to help employees become more familiar with a particular technology or a particular software, thus increasing their efficiency in using that technology or software. 

• Improved Technical Expertise: Technical training can help employees understand the various technical aspects of a specific job or field. This increased technical expertise means that employees are better equipped to handle any technical challenges they may face throughout their day to day tasks and responsibilities. 

• Better Problem Solving Skills: Technical training can help employees develop better problem solving skills that they can use when dealing with any technical issues that may arise. 

• More Motivated Employees: Technical training helps employees stay motivated and increases their productivity. Additionally, employees will feel a greater sense of accomplishment when they master a new skill such as learning how to navigate a new system. 

3. Soft Skills Employee Development Training

Soft Skills employee development training is a form of employee training that focuses on interpersonal skills and personal attributes required to build relationships, manage conflict, and ultimately succeed in the workplace. Soft Skills training covers topics such as listening effectively, effective communication, managing emotions, and managing stress. It also includes leadership skills, goal setting, teamwork, and problem solving.

Some soft skills you can pass on to your employees are:

• Business Etiquette 
• Conflict resolution 
• Emotional Intelligence 
• Time management 
• Ethics 
• Adaptability

4. Product Knowledge Training

Product knowledge training is a form of employee training specifically tailored to a particular product. This type of training focuses on teaching employees how to use the product safely, efficiently, and effectively to meet company standards. Product specific training is usually provided by the manufacturer or vendor of a product, or can be created in-house. The training includes familiarizing employees with the product features, features and benefits, proper use, maintenance and troubleshooting of the product.

Benefits of Product Knowledge Training 

• Improved Product Knowledge: Product-specific training can provide in-depth knowledge of each product, helping employees to better understand its features, functions, and uses. 

• Increased Efficiency: Knowledgeable employees are more efficient and motivated to get the job done. Product-specific training can make them more efficient when dealing with customer requests. 

• Enhanced Customer Service: With a thorough understanding of each product, employees can provide better customer service by offering accurate advice and support.

• Improved Competitiveness: Product-specific training can raise awareness of the product and give companies a competitive edge over their rivals.

• Increased Customer Retention: Providing product-specific training can help improve customer retention by ensuring customer satisfaction. With a greater understanding of the product, customer service staff are empowered to answer any customer’s questions about the product effectively and in a timely manner. This helps create loyal customers who will continue to use the company’s products in the future.

5. Food Safety Training

Food safety training is the process of educating employees on the basic elements of food safety principles, concepts, and practices. It is often required for employees who handle food in restaurants, catering companies, grocery stores and similar operations. Food safety training helps ensure that workers are properly equipped to handle, store, and prepare food items safely while following the best practices for food safety.

Food Safety Training Can Include:

• Proper food storage and handling techniques 
• Understanding foodborne illnesses and preventive measures
• Preparing food safely
• Cleaning and sanitation of food preparation areas 
• Identification, storage and disposal of potentially hazardous foods
• Effective communication with customers about food safety
• Awareness of proper handwashing techniques and use of sanitary gloves when handling food
• Proper use of pest control measures to avoid contamination
• Effective safety procedures to follow in case of an accident 
• Reviewing and following government and industry guidelines on food safety

Employee training is a great investment for any business. Investing in employee training programs is essential to giving employees the skills and knowledge they need to make their greatest contribution to the organization. This in turn helps to promote company growth. With so many different types of employee training, it is important to prioritize the training programs that offer the most benefit to the company and its employees. Employee development is a key factor in business success and should not be neglected.