The Importance of Training (AQA GCSE Business)

The Benefits of Training

• Both new and existing staff need to be trained and developed appropriately

  • Training is the teaching of new skills and knowledge

  • Development is the improvement of existing skills

• A well-trained workforce is beneficial to a business for several reasons

The Importance of Well-trained Employees 

• Some training is required to meet legal requirements

  • Food safety regulations require workers to be trained in the safe handling of ingredients

  • Businesses must ensure that some workers have first-aid training

  • Employees working with hazardous chemicals must receive appropriate training

Factors Influencing the Approach to Training

• The form of training provided to employees depends on a range of factors

Diagram: Factors Affecting the form of Training

The approach to training is affected by costs, the type of training needed and the skills of employees

• The cost of training can be significant, especially if businesses make use of external training providers or enrol staff on courses to achieve formal qualifications such as degrees

  • Businesses that are in a weak financial position often scale back training programmes, preferring cheaper on the job approaches

• The training needs of workers will usually determine the type of training required

  • Business-specific knowledge and skills may be best delivered in-house, as external course providers are unlikely to be able to meet trainees' needs fully

  • Professional qualifications are often delivered by colleges or universities

• Employees' existing skills and experience will determine how much and at what level of training they should be involved

  • Experienced employees with effective communication skills are often well-placed to deliver training to others

  • In some cases, there may be concern that poor working practices may be passed on to other employees