What is the Difference Between Training and Development

The main difference between training and development is that training is the process of learning that allows employees to develop the skills, competencies, and knowledge required for a particular job, while development is the process of education that focuses on the overall growth of the employees.

Training and development are educational programs most companies and organizations use to enhance the skills and knowledge of employees. While training typically aims at the new employees, development is an ongoing process suitable for all employees.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Training
– Definition, Features
2. What is Development
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Training and Development
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Training and Development
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Development, Training, Employees

What is Training

Training refers to a program an organization conducts to help employees to develop the skills, competencies, and knowledge required for a particular job and make them capable of dealing with their professional functions. A good training program helps employees to understand the job requirements and how to boost their efficiency.

Generally, companies and organizations develop their training programs to train their fresh recruits, who have already faced recruiting and selection processes. Training programs inform them about the rules and regulations, policies, and processes of the company, helping the trainees get a clear understanding of the expectations and the requirement of the company. On-the-job training, induction training, apprentice training, and promotion training are some of the key training programs in organizations.

What is Development

Development refers to training programs conducted by top-level managers in an organization or a company. This development training is also referred to as executive development or management. This process of development is quite systematic and ongoing. Through employee development processes, employers aim to improve the employees’ conceptual and intellectual knowledge. They also aim to boost worker efficiency and effective functioning at the workplace.

Unlike training, development is not a specific task-oriented process. Instead, it is a more holistic process that helps to generate employee personality development on the whole. Elaborating further, development programs are designed to boost the overall growth of individuals, making them capable and strong enough to face the forthcoming challenges. Trainers do this by altering and shaping the approaches and the attitudes of the employees and making them become more competitive in nature.

Similarities Between Training and Development

Both training and development programs aim to increase the efficiency and the productivity of the employees and the functioning of the company.
Through training and development programs, organizational heads try to make an attitudinal change in their employees.

Difference Between Training and Development

Definition

Training refers to a learning program designed for fresh employees in order to help them acquire knowledge and improve skills required to perform their job well. On the other hand, development is a process of training for the growth and development of the already hired employees.

Duration

Usually, training lasts for a shorter period of time, which typically includes three to six months. In contrast, development is usually a continuous process, and through development, the employer aims to prepare employees to face the forthcoming challenges in the future. Therefore, we can say that development is long-term in nature.

Key Focus

During a training program, the trainers focus on developing the skills and competencies of a fresh employee for the hired position. However, when it comes to development programs, the trainer focuses on the overall uplifting of the knowledge, comprehension, and skills of the employee, making him capable enough to face challenges in the future.

Conclusion

The main difference between training and development is that training is the process of learning that allows employees to develop the skills, competencies, and knowledge required for a particular job, while development is the process of education that focuses on the overall growth of the employees. While training typically aims at new employees, development is an ongoing process suitable for all employees.