Types of Training

Formal Training : Training that has a structured, formal, and defined curriculum; it may be conducted by supervisors, company training centers, businesses, schools, associations, or others. Formal training includes classroom work, seminars, lectures, workshops, and audio-visual presentations.

Informal Training: Training that is unstructured, unplanned, and easily adapted to situations or individuals. Examples include having a co-worker show you how to use a piece of equipment or having a supervisor teach you a skill related to your job.

SEPT data are used by government, private industry, and the academic community to determine the major types of training that American workers receive from their employers. Types of training include the following:
Basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills training is training in elementary reading, writing, arithmetic, and English language skills, including English as a second language.

Occupational safety training - Provides information on safety hazards, procedures, and regulations.

Employee health and wellness training -Provides information and guidance on personal health issues such as stress management, substance abuse, nutrition, and smoking cessation.

Orientation training - Introduces new employees to personnel and workplace practices and to overall company policies.

Awareness training - Provides information on policies and practices that affect employee relations or the work environment, including Equal Employment Opportunity practices (EEO), affirmative action, workplace diversity, sexual harassment, and AIDS awareness.

Communications, employee development, and quality training- Training in public speaking, conducting meetings, writing, time management, leadership, working in groups or teams, employee involvement, total quality management, and job reengineering.


Job skills training that includes:

Management training - Training in supervising employees and in implementing employment practices. Examples include training in conducting employee appraisals, managing employees, resolving conflicts, following selection/hiring practices, and implementing regulations and policies.

Professional and technical skills training- Training in professional areas such as engineering, nursing, accounting, science, law, medicine, training, education, and business; or in technical areas such as drafting, electronics, and medical technology.

Computer training - Includes training in computer literacy, security, programming, use of standard commercial and other software, and methods for developing software applications.

Clerical and administrative support skills training - Training in areas such as typing, data entry, filing, business correspondence, and administrative record keeping, including budget and payroll.

Sales and customer relations training - Training in areas ranging from how to maintain or improve customer relations to specific selling techniques. Examples include training in how to deal with angry customers and information about specific product lines.

Service-related training - Includes training in the traditional service occupations-food, cleaning, protective, or personal services. Examples include training in waiting tables, preparing food, using cleaning equipment, conducting security work, providing care for children or the elderly, tailoring, and barbering.

Production-and construction-related training - Training in areas such as operating or repairing machinery and equipment; manufacturing, assembling, distributing, installing, or inspecting goods; and constructing, altering, or maintaining buildings and other structures.