I have experienced a few different types of training methods within the jobs that I have had over the years. One method that I have found to be very beneficial in my learning process, and the ability to transfer what I have learned to my role after training is completed, would be hands-on training. This type of training method is extremely beneficial to me because I learn from the act of doing. I can sit in a class or lecture all day and not receive the same benefits as doing a task several times while learning more each time. Simulations have been a key factor in my hands-on training, providing repetition in applying what I have learned without real-life consequences. These simulations give me the flexibility to try different approaches and see which process makes me most efficient and productive.
The method that I did not find to best serve when applying my training to the job would be lecture-style training. I have been in a training class of 25 people for 8 hours a day for a two-week period and left the training environment with many questions and uncertainty of how I would best perform the tasks I was assigned. We had countless worksheets of covered material that we would complete while the trainer would speak to us about new material at the same time. This type of training left me feeling unconfident and unsure of my chances of success within this role. I believe all jobs would benefit from long-term hands-on training, as it gives employees the opportunity to practice their daily tasks and develop the skills they need to be successful immediately after training is complete.
