The term training refers to
the acquisition of
knowledge,
skills, and
competencies as a result of the teaching
of
vocational or practical skills and
knowledge that relate to specific useful
competencies. It forms the core of
apprenticeships and provides the
backbone of content at
technical colleges and
polytechnics. In addition to the basic
training required for a
trade,
occupation or
profession, observers of the labor-market[who?]
recognize today[update]
the need to continue training beyond initial
qualifications: to maintain, upgrade and
update skills throughout
working life. People within many
professions and occupations may refer to
this sort of training as
professional development.
Some commentators use a similar term for workplace learning to improve performance: training and development. One can generally categorize such training as on-the-job or off-the-job:
- On-the-job training takes place in a normal working situation, using the actual tools, equipment, documents or materials that trainees will use when fully trained. On-the-job training has a general reputation as most effective for vocational work.
- Off-the-job training takes place away from normal work situations — implying that the employee does not count as a directly productive worker while such training takes place. Off-the-job training has the advantage that it allows people to get away from work and concentrate more thoroughly on the training itself. This type of training has proven more effective[citation needed] in inculcating concepts and ideas.
Training differs from exercise in that people may dabble in exercise as an occasional activity for fun. Training has specific goals of improving one's capability, capacity, and performance.