Off-the-job training (formal training)

Off-the-job training courses allow employees to undertake training away from their place of work, through day release, online or distance learning, as well as block release courses.

These are often run at local universities or colleges and delivered by specialist training companies or trainers who are external to the organisation.

Advantages of off-the-job training

• Uses specialist trainers who are skilled and knowledgeable
• Opportunity for social networking with other trainees from other organisations
• Individuals more likely to complete training because of no work pressure
• Individuals more likely to be honest because their supervisor/manager is not present
• Less chance of being called away if off-site

Disadvantages of off-the-job training

Compared to in-house training, this method is more costly because the organisation has to pay for the course and the associated travel expenses for each trainee.

Also, if the individual pulls out of the training (ie if they are ill), the organisation may lose the cost of the course and then have to pay to re-enrol them at a later date.

Unlike in-house training, courses may not be available when needed, thus not meeting the direct need of the trainee.

Course content is more likely to be generic rather than specific to an individual organisation, which may pose problems when trying to transfer skills to real-life work situations.