Learning and Training may seem similar, but they are certainly not.
Learning
• Learning directly aligns with the organization’s vision for success
• Learning centers on acquiring and building knowledge and skills required by the organization to achieve its vision.
• Learning is a process
• Learning aims to change, develop and expand the learner’s viewpoint & behavior
• Focuses on values, attitudes, mindset, innovation, and outcomes
Training
• Training is concerned with teaching and transferring skills into a particular work scenario.
• Training is more of a specific event. Eg: teaching employees to use a new software like HRMS, or a safety training.
• Training focuses on a specific task and teaches the learner how to perform it.
• Focused on short-term benefits and immediate needs of the business
Learning Vs Training
From an organizational point of view, training would be preferred a lot more times than learning as it comprises of immediate needs of the business. Learning on the side, has its own benefits for both the individual and the organization.
It can result in numerous benefits to a business including team morale, improved retention and much more. However, learning cannot replace training process which equips necessary skillset to an individual for performance.
How to decide? Training / Learning
It’s simple…… ask these questions.
• Are your employees asking more assistance to perform better in their jobs?
• Are your employees seeking more connection with each other?
• Do your employees prefer learning passively (without feedback) or actively engaging?
• Do you need to deliver set content to as many people as possible at once, or can you hold several sessions with smaller groups?
• Are your employees mostly individual contributors or collaborators?
There’s a clear difference between learning and training, but both play an integral part in the development and performance of your employees. Therefore, by understanding the key differences of both processes and utilizing them
effectively, you can design learning objectives and strategies that help your business achieve its long-term goals and build its future vision.