Most training does not match learning preference finds new CIPD survey

Written by PayPerShop.com - Filed under: Press Releases on October 30th, 2008

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The third in a series of surveys conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has found that employees favoured method of learning is not being matched to the type of training that they receive. The 2008 Who Learns at Work? report highlights that ‘being shown how to do things and practising them’ is overwhelmingly considered the best method of learning, with 46% citing this as preferred. This preference was also the finding of the two previous reports undertaken in 2005 and 2002. Despite this clear indicator on learning preferences, classroom training is still the most common form of work related training, followed by training on-the-job or at the desk.

The survey findings show that younger respondents (aged 16 – 24) also favoured the ‘being shown how to do things and practising them’ method of learning. They even supported it by a slightly higher percentage than the population at large (50% compared to 46%), which serves to question the widely held assumption that Y generation learning preferences are considerably different from older employees.

Since the first report in 2002 there has been a noticeable shift in training responsibility throughout UK organisations, with a move from training decisions being made by the HR department to line managers. There has been a decrease in respondents stating that the training they received was initiated by the HR and Training department (from 33% in 2005 to 21% in 2008) and an increase in training interventions instigated by the line manager (45% to 49%).

Martyn Sloman, CIPD Adviser says:
“As trainers we need to deal with the world as it is, not the world we would wish it to be. Trainers are no longer the sun around which learner planets revolve. Employees have a firm preference for more active learning opportunities. They certainly don’t like solitary or unsupported learning.

“The good news is that they are positive about learning and prepared to learn. We must work with them, not impose what suits us.”

The survey results also challenge the often reported idea that UK workplaces suffer from a mass of reluctant trainees, with respondents being generally positive about learning and training at work. Of the 751 respondents, 79% said that their employer provides them with enough training opportunities. Very few employees decline training opportunities and 82% had received training in the previous 12 months. Most were also positive about the outcome of the training and 92% of those who had received training believe that it has been successful.

Written by PayPerShop.com - or reproduced on behalf of the company supplying the above information.

Filed under: Press Releases on October 30th, 2008