Category: Learning & Development

Employees are valuing career development more than ever—it’s a sign that the company is willing to invest in their future. How are businesses approaching training today? What are their pain points, and what topics are being addressed in training?

The Importance of Training in Instructional Design

“If trainers are asked to be designers, they have to be familiar with adult learning theory in instructional design if they are going to be effective,” Guilkey insists. And the same applies to subject matter experts if the task of designing a training session is assigned to them. “A lot of people being asked to […]

Best Practices in Training: It’s Personal

Training has been a priority for McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., throughout its 150-year history. In fact, the commercial construction company states on its website that “learning is at the core of everything we do.” McCarthy was recently recognized for its training efforts as a Training magazine Top 125 Best Practice Award recipient for the fourth […]

Safety and Health Training for the Public Sector

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) jurisdiction doesn’t extend to the public sector, but that doesn’t mean the agency is neglecting the safety and health of state and local government employees. Late last year, OSHA launched a new certificate program for public sector employees titled Public Sector Safety and Health Fundamentals. Aimed at training […]

Best Practices in Workforce Training and Development

From day one of employment, associates at Capital One Financial Corporation have access to a variety of award-winning training and development opportunities. Capital One (www.capitalone.com), a McLean, Virginia-based financial holding company, was recently named to FORTUNE magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For” and Training magazine’s Training Top 125. Both magazines honored Capital […]

Best Practices in Training: Wellness Coaching That Works!

In a pilot project over a 12-month period, more than half of participants in a pilot program sponsored by Onlife Health, a national health and wellness company, and Government Employees Health Association (GEHA), a national health plan for federal employees, lowered their blood pressure through education, coaching, and monitoring. Onlife coaches worked with GEHA members […]

Expert Advice on E-Learning

There are four key “land mines” that trainers might encounter when developing e-learning modules, but careful planning can help trainers sidestep those problems, says Jennifer DeVries, president and chief solutions architect of BlueStreak Learning (www.bluestreaklearning.com). The first problem deals with delivery. Even the most innovative, cutting-edge e-learning module won’t be effective if it is designed […]

Long-Time Trainer Honored for Apprenticeship Development

In his 3-decade career with Bosch Rexroth, Mike Bryan has trained nearly 770 apprentices and continuously demonstrated his support for developing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills among the next generation of workers. His efforts were recently recognized by the German American Chambers of Commerce (GACC), which presented Bryan with its Trainer of the […]

Chronic Conditions—Frustrating, Annoying? Yes, But You Must Accommodate

One of the most challenging tasks in HR is dealing with lifelong illnesses or chronic conditions under the FMLA and ADA. But you have no choice, says Attorney Patricia Eyres. What Is a Chronic Condition? What is a “Chronic Condition” for purposes of leaves, accommodations, and performance management? Eyres says that it is a disease […]

Supervisor’s Job? Keep HR’s Options Open

In yesterday’s Advisor, attorney Mark Schickman discussed basic guidelines for supervisor training. Today, more tips for supervisors, plus an introduction to BLR’s audit-by-checklist program. Your supervisors aren’t technical experts on HR matters, and they‘re not going to be, but you can train them to act in a way that preserves HR’s options, says Schickman, a […]

Handbook Not Enough—You Must Train Supervisors

Yes, you have handbooks, but you need to train to be sure your supervisors know the material provisions of your policies and rules, says attorney Mark Schickman. And they need to understand that policies must be fairly and consistently applied.   While you are at it, Schickman adds, make sure that your practices match your […]