Training

What is training?

Training is a process through which an employer teaches an employee or helps an employee learn how to use its processes, its systems, its equipment. Training can be done on an informal basis, on a one to one just in the office or on site. Or it might be a more formal training where you're asked to go to an external trainer and have that kind of training. You may even be given training to sit an exam.

Will my employer pay for it?

You employer may pay for the cost of your training, but you need to check your contract of employment to see what kind of training it will cover. If it doesn't cover the kind of training you want to do, then speak to your line manager and say why you think that training is important to you and why its going to help you fulfil your job. Also, check your contract of employment for something called a “claw back clause.” It may set out that they'll pay for the training, but you have to stay in employment for a set period or else they're going to ask for the money back or a portion of that money back.

My employer wants me to train, do I have to?

There is no legal requirement for you to do any employment training apart from health and safety training. If you don't do that, you may well be dismissed, because it's requirement for the employer to make sure that its employees undertake that health and safety training. There may also be other types of training. For example, if you are in customer services, you may need to learn how to interact with members of the public. If you refuse to do types of training that are key to your role, there may be an issue of whether or not you're capable of doing your job.

How does the training process work?

The training process could vary from job to job. It could be very informal, with an employee showing another employee what to do. Training could be with HR personnel. It could be an external person coming in or you going out to an external person for that training.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is training for a fixed period of time. It combines work experience with some other kind of education or vocational training. Some types of jobs lend themselves to apprenticeships more than others. For example, carpentry and building are more likely to have apprentices than an office job.

Where will having an apprenticeship get me?

If you complete your apprenticeship successfully, it means you have learned the skills for that job and you're more likely to be able to progress and get a job with another employer.