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NATIONAL WORKFORCE ASSISTANCE COLLABORATIVE

Employee Training Best Practice Guidelines

Employee training supports adaptive, productive workplaces that

capitalize on investments in both technology and workforce skills to

boost productivity. Employee training is firm-focused and is a key

element of a firm's overall performance improvement plan. Training

assists a firm to achieve 1) effective utilization of technology

resources, 2) decentralized decision- making 3) improved work

processes by measurably improving worker knowledge, skills, and

ability, 4) full customer satisfaction and profitability.

It links technical, occupation specific skills development with

broad-based foundational skills such as teamwork, problem-solving,

leadership and initiative, resource allocation, customer service,

communications, and commitment to lifelong learning to meet the

requirements of today's and tomorrow's's workplace. In large

companies, employee training is often provided by internal staff; in

small and mid-sized companies, training is usually provided by a

third party supplier.

1. Training objectives are tied to company business objectives

and industry skill standards, where these exist.

1.1 Training objectives are derived from and continuously

aligned with the company's overall performance objectives and

specific job requirements.

1.2 Training success is tied to the attainment of

performance-based, measurable learning objectives that are

linked to industry skill standards, where these exist.

1.3 Programs are developed with input from clients,

management, supervisors, and employees or their representatives.

2. Training curricula, structure, and delivery methods reflect

the workplace and its requirements.

2.1 Training curricula, structure, and delivery methods

are appropriate to the company's organizational structure, work

processes, and culture; and training activities incorporate and

draw on company work processes, tasks, and materials.

2.2 Training addresses both occupational skill

requirements and the academic or foundational knowledge, skills,

and behaviors that underlie them.

2.3 Training supports forms of work organization that

emphasize broadening worker skills and empowering employees.

2.4 Training activities are interactive and experiential,

and include regular opportunities to integrate the knowledge and

skills learned into solving problems commonly encountered on the

job.

2.5 Training is modular so it can be adapted to workplace

schedules.

2.6 Training is delivered "just in time."

2.7 Training uses technology and materials that are

comparable to those used on the job.

2.8 Training is reinforced on the job once students return

to their work sites.

3. Training is tailored to trainee needs and learning styles.

3.1 Training is developed based upon an assessment of the

target population's knowledge, skills, and abilities.

3.2 Training meets individual skill development needs as

reflected in an individualized development plan (based on each

trainee's own skill levels and training goals).

3.3 Training uses a variety of instructional methods and

media, allowing for differences in the learning styles of

individual students.

3.4 Training structure allows students to learn at their

own pace.

3.5 Training builds the learner's ability to transfer

his/her skills to different work settings.

3.6 Training builds worker understanding that learning is

an integral and ongoing component of successful work

performance.

3.7 Successful training completion results in a portable

credential for the learner.

4. High quality assessment is an integral part of the training.

4.1 Assessments used are valid and reliable indicators of

job performance.

4.2 Expected performance outcomes and assessment methods

are clearly communicated to trainees.

4.3 Learner needs are assessed prior to training and

inform the learner's individualized training plan.

4.4 Trainees are provided regular, ongoing feedback

concerning their progress while in the training program.

4.5 Trainees are assessed at the completion of training to

ascertain learning gains and overall program performance.

5. Training staff is highly skilled and well trained.

5.1 Instructional staff is well-versed in job performance

requirements and has industry-based experience.

5.2 Staff apply the principles of adult learning to

instructional design and delivery.

6. Evaluation is used to assure training quality.

6.1 Training is evaluated based on both performance

outcomes and the quality and effectiveness of the training

process.

6.2 Management, supervisors, employees, and, in unionized

workplaces, union representatives participate in evaluating

program effectiveness and its responsiveness to their needs.

6.3 Evaluations are conducted regularly to ensure that the

training program remains on track.

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