18 Types of employee training

Employee training is a must in modern business’s fast-paced, technology-driven environments. Technology is constantly reshaping industries, so training needs to be ongoing and adaptable. 

59% of employees say training improves their overall job performance. However, 33% of U.S. workers say their current company-provided training doesn’t meet their expectations.

The above statistics emphasize the demand for employee training that is precise, relevant, and aligned with job-specific challenges. Training should meet both professional standards and employee expectations to be effective. 

This article explores the top 18 types of employee training your organization should consider. We’ll also provide clear definitions for each type of training and explain why they are essential for your business.

What is employee training?

Employee training is the systematic process of teaching employees skills, knowledge, or behaviors to improve their performance in current or future roles. 

It involves structured activities, such as workshops, courses, on-the-job training, or interactive e-learning modules, designed to address organizational needs and individual development goals. 

Depending on business objectives, employee training plans cover technical skills, compliance requirements, soft skills, or leadership capabilities. The purpose is to ensure employees are competent, productive, and aligned with company standards. 

Effective training is tailored to job functions and delivered in a way that promotes learning and application.

Why is employee training important? 

Employee training is vital for maintaining a skilled workforce and meeting organizational goals. 

For example, cybersecurity training helps employees recognize phishing scams and protect company data. Sales training equips teams with negotiation strategies that close more deals, increasing sales process adoption. 

In highly regulated industries like healthcare, compliance training ensures adherence to legal standards and reduces liability risks. It also supports digital transformation healthcare initiatives such as electronic health records and telemedicine.

Technical training, such as learning software like Salesforce, improves business resilience and addresses skill gaps. For instance, offering digital marketing courses enables traditional marketers to manage SEO and social media campaigns. 

Investing in targeted training means businesses adapt to change, increase productivity, and avoid errors. 

18 Types of employee training 

Now that you understand what employee training is and why it’s important, it’s time to learn about the 18 types of employee training in more detail. 

We’ve curated a list of employee training types that offer a clear and concise overview of the methods your organization can use to enhance employee skills. 

Understanding the different types of employee training will help you choose the most effective strategies for your team’s specific needs. This ensures that each employee receives the right support to improve and contribute to organizational performance.

For a more in-depth explanation of any of the 18 types of employee training, click on the links to read the full article and explore each method in detail.

Let’s explore the 18 types of employee training: 

1. Onboarding training

Onboarding training is the process of helping new employees settle into their jobs and understand the company’s culture and rules. This training usually includes learning about company policies, using software or digital tools, meeting team members, and understanding job responsibilities. 

For example, a new employee at a tech company might learn how to use internal messaging apps, work on projects, and meet their coworkers. Employee onboarding helps new hires feel welcome, start their jobs confidently, and become more productive faster. 

It also helps keep employees happy and reduces the chances they will leave the company early on.

2. Diversity training

Diversity training teaches employees to respect and appreciate people who are different from themselves. It focuses on things like race, gender, age, and background. Employees learn to work together better by understanding these differences and avoiding bias. 

For example, a workshop might show how to communicate with coworkers from different cultures or create a supportive work environment. Diversity training helps people get along, reduces misunderstandings, and makes the workplace more welcoming. This creates a better atmosphere for both employees and the company.

3. Soft-skills training

Soft-skills training helps employees improve personal skills that are important for working well with others. These skills include communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. For example, a worker might learn how to talk to customers politely, handle stress, or work better with a team. 

These skills are important because they help people get along, solve problems, and be more productive at work. Soft skills differ from technical skills (like knowing how to use a computer) but are just as important for creating a positive and thriving workplace.

4. Technical training

Technical training teaches employees the skills to operate specific tools, software, or machinery related to their jobs. It focuses on practical, job-related skills that improve performance. 

An example of technical training would be teaching factory workers how to safely use new machinery or showing office staff how to use complex software programs like Excel for data management. This type of training is essential because it ensures employees can perform their tasks accurately while reducing errors and increasing productivity. It also keeps workers updated with new technologies and processes, helping the company stay competitive.

5. eLearning

eLearning is a type of training that takes place online, allowing employees to learn at their own pace and from anywhere. It includes videos, quizzes, and interactive activities that teach various skills and concepts. For instance, an employee could take an online course about time management, watch instructional videos, and complete exercises to reinforce what they’ve learned. 

eLearning is flexible, so employees can fit it into their schedules, making it ideal for busy teams. It also helps businesses save time and money since there’s no need for in-person sessions. This method is growing in popularity due to its convenience and accessibility.

6. On-the-job training

On-the-job training (OJT) is a hands-on learning method where employees learn by doing their actual work under the guidance of an experienced mentor or supervisor. Instead of sitting in a classroom, they gain practical skills by completing tasks directly related to their role. 

An example would be a new software developer learning to write code by working alongside an experienced programmer who shows them best practices and provides feedback. On-the-job training (OJT) is valuable because it allows employees to learn within the context of real projects, making the training more relevant and efficient.

7. Job rotation

Job rotation is when employees switch between jobs or tasks within the company to learn new skills. Instead of doing the same thing every day, they can try different roles. For example, a new IT support technician might start by handling basic troubleshooting, then move on to managing software installations, and later assist with network security tasks.

Job rotation helps employees learn more about the company, keep things interesting, and prevent them from getting bored. It also helps businesses find people who are good at handling different jobs and might be ready for bigger responsibilities.

8. Team training

Team training helps groups of employees work better by focusing on communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Instead of training individuals, it focuses on improving how the team functions as a whole. 

For example, a marketing team might undergo training to improve its sharing of ideas, project management, and meeting deadlines. Team training often includes group activities, role-playing, and exercises that teach members how to support each other and reach common goals. This type of training is valuable because it helps teams work more smoothly, avoid conflicts, and be more productive.

9. Collaborative training

Collaborative training is when employees work together in a group to learn and solve problems. Unlike team training, which focuses on improving how a group works together, collaborative training emphasizes learning through active cooperation and shared problem-solving.

For example, a group of employees might work together on a project, with each person contributing their expertise. This can include design, marketing, and analysis to create a final product. This type of training helps employees learn from each other, communicate better, and improve problem-solving skills. It also builds stronger team relationships, making collaboration more effective in everyday work situations.

10. Roleplay training

Roleplay training helps employees practice handling real work situations by acting them out. It’s different from other types of training because it focuses on real-time practice and feedback. For example, a salesperson might roleplay a difficult conversation with a customer to learn how to respond calmly and solve problems. 

This method lets employees try different ways of handling situations, make mistakes, and learn from them without real-world consequences. It’s useful for improving skills like communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. Role-play training helps employees feel more prepared and confident when they face similar situations in the workplace.

11. Simulation training

Simulation training helps employees practice their job tasks in a safe, simulated environment. It creates situations that might happen at work so employees can learn how to handle them. For example, a salesperson might practice giving a sales pitch to a fake customer, or a manager might role-play dealing with a team crisis. 

This kind of training lets employees make mistakes and learn from them without real consequences. It helps them improve at making decisions, solving problems, and talking to others while making them feel more confident and ready for real situations at work.

12. Conflict resolution training

Conflict resolution training teaches employees how to handle arguments or disagreements at work. It helps them learn how to stay calm, listen to each other, and find solutions everyone can agree on. For example, if two coworkers disagree on how to do a task, conflict resolution training helps them talk it through and come up with a compromise instead of debating. 

This training helps people understand different points of view, control their emotions, and prevent problems from worsening. It’s useful in teams where everyone needs to get along and work together to get the job done.

13. Sales training

Sales training helps employees learn how to sell products or services. It focuses on understanding customers’ needs, making a strong pitch, and closing a sale. For example, a sales representative might practice starting a conversation with a customer, asking the right questions, and presenting the product in a way that adds value.  

Sales training also teaches employees how to handle customer rejections or objections and how to stay motivated. This training is important because it helps salespeople improve their skills, close more deals, and increase revenue.

14. Product training

Product training helps employees understand the details of the products or services they sell or support. This training covers the features, advantages, and how the product fits customers’ needs. 

For instance, a technology company employee might learn how to use a software program to understand how it solves specific business problems. The goal is for employees to feel confident and knowledgeable to clearly explain the product’s value to customers or troubleshoot issues when they arise. Well-trained employees make better recommendations and provide better customer service.

15. Quality assurance training

Quality assurance (QA) training helps employees ensure that the company’s products or services are high quality and free from mistakes. It teaches them how to spot problems and fix them before they reach customers. 

For example, a factory worker might learn to check items for defects or ensure the products are made correctly every time. QA training is important because it helps prevent errors, saves time and money, and secures customers the best product. It guarantees everything the company makes is reliable and meets certain standards.

16. Upskilling

Upskilling involves teaching employees new skills or improving the ones they already have. It helps workers stay up-to-date with changes in technology or their job roles. For example, a marketing employee might learn to use new software to analyze data or create ads. 

Upskilling can also include learning new techniques or methods to improve job performance. This type of training is important because it helps employees advance in their careers, take on new responsibilities, and keep up with industry changes. It also benefits companies by having a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

17. Digital reskilling

Digital reskilling teaches employees new digital skills to keep up with changing technology. While upskilling focuses on improving existing skills, digital reskilling involves learning new digital skills to adapt to new technologies or job roles.

For example, a customer service employee might learn to use a chatbot or new customer management software. Digital reskilling is especially important as technology continues to evolve, and businesses need skilled workers using the latest digital tools. It ensures that employees remain valuable in the workplace and helps companies stay competitive by having a tech-savvy team.

18. Leadership development

Last on our list is leadership development, which focuses on preparing employees to take on leadership roles within the company. It teaches decision-making, effective communication, team management, and inspiring others. 

For instance, a leadership development program might train employees to set goals, manage conflicts, and motivate their teams to perform at their best. This training is essential because it helps businesses build a strong pipeline of leaders who can direct teams, drive success, and make strategic decisions that support company growth and stability in the long run.

Key takeaways on employee training

Incorporating a variety of training types into your business strategy can lead to skilled, adaptable, and motivated employees. 

As you consider which methods will work best for your team, keep in mind that effective training is ongoing, not one-time. Continuously evaluate and update your programs to address new challenges and opportunities, especially as technology and business needs evolve. 

Remember, the most successful organizations invest in their employees’ growth, knowing it pays off in employee productivity, engagement, and retention. Prioritize a balance of technical, soft skills, and leadership development to create a well-rounded and high-performing team.