Traning Methods - Assignment Example

Training Methods The essay aims to discuss four training methods practiced by corporations, to wit the apprenticeship technique; (2) simulation method; (3) role playing; and finally (4) the in-basket method. The essay will point out the advantages and disadvantages of each training method. The training system adopted by my employer will also be presented. Training Methods There are several training methods used by companies today to help improve an employee’s performance and productivity. I will discuss four methods of training in this essay, namely, apprenticeship, simulation, role playing and in-basket method.

The apprenticeship training provides workers with comprehensive training both on and off the job in the practical and theoretical aspects of the work required in a highly skilled occupation. A typical apprenticeship program usually requires two years of on-the-job experience and about 180 hours of classroom instruction but this varies depending of the job requirements. Like other on-the-job training methods, its main objective is the development of the skills of the employee. An advantage of this method is that the employee does not have to make major adjustments at work unlike off-the-job trainings.

The disadvantage is that employees sometimes find this method stressful because of the fear of damaging an equipment or having large amounts of wastage; thus, resulting to a hindrance to his learning process. Another method of training is the simulation method. This method is used for jobs which require operating equipments which are dangerous or too expensive such as the job of a pilot. In this case, simulators of the equipment are designed and set up away from the actual work situation. The advantage of this training method is that the job hazards are removed and opportunities for repeated practice can be done without being too costly for the company.

However, the development of simulated equipments is sometimes costly and it often takes a long time to develop. Role playing is another method of training which is an effective instructional technique. The participants are assigned different roles in various realistic situations. It involves the dramatization of work situations; therefore, the trainees are given the chance to practice what they have been taught. If the role playing involves a big group, half of the trainees are assigned roles while the other half observes and evaluates them.

An advantage of this method is that there is immediate feedback, whether it is positive or negative, the trainees still learn from the experience. A major drawback of this method is that most trainees feel uncomfortable in role play situations so much so that there is some amount of discomfort and anxiety within them. Also, the effectiveness of a role play can be achieved only if there is an expert feedback. The caveat here is that if the person giving the feedback is incompetent, then the learning procedure will be useless and ineffective.

The fourth method of training is the in-basket technique. This method simulates a realistic situation by giving trainees a set of memos, letters and other items that a manager might find in the in-basket upon arriving at work. The trainee is then asked to respond to the problem presented in the in-box and make a decision according to the given information. The objective of this training is to help the trainees determine which decision can be delayed, which must be quickly acted upon and which can be referred to others.

The advantage of the in-basket method is that it improves the speed of the problem-solving ability of the trainee. It also teaches proper time management. The disadvantage of this method is that the trainers often create a stressful environment resulting in a rush towards a solution. Also, most individuals will react differently in real life situations. In my place of employment, which is a convenience store, our company practices the apprenticeship training program. We have a two-year apprenticeship program whereby we are exposed to the various jobs in a convenience store.

Of the two-year training, about three months is dedicated to lecture method and the rest to on-the-job training. As a manager, the training that I received in the apprenticeship helped me a lot with my present job. I was able to master the different skills needed to work in a convenience store. References Rue, L. & Byars, L. (2009). Management: Skills and Applications, 13/e. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.