Young people have been particularly affected by the Covid pandemic, impacting both their formal education and their ability to access physical work placements to gain valuable real-world experience. Providing employment opportunities and training has never been more important.
Young people have been particularly affected by the Covid pandemic, impacting both their formal education and their ability to access physical work placements to gain valuable real-world experience. Providing employment opportunities and training has never been more important.
Starting a new job can be challenging enough for even the most experienced workers, so offering a range of learning and development opportunities for entry-level or newly qualified staff will make them feel valued and supported.
Millennials want jobs to be development opportunities and upskilling is equally important for Gen Z who, as digital natives, are highly responsive learners when given the right tools and methods of learning, according to the World Economic Forum’s article on the subject.
Of course, training has a cost but not training has an even higher cost in the longer term as a lack of training and development opportunities will lead to higher staff turnover, increased advertising and recruitment costs, additional time spent onboarding etc.
What to include in entry-level training
Company orientation
Your entry-level training will start with onboarding and company orientation, giving them the ‘bigger picture’ of where their role fits within the wider structure and how they can make a difference.
Diversity and inclusion
What it means to be part of a team, your company mission and values, good working practices and the importance of being open and welcoming to all.
Soft skills
Training your entry-level staff on teamworking, how to get and stay organised, boosting confidence and motivation, mentoring, handling challenging situations at work, and time management are all great transferrable skills – benefiting the learner, making your new hire a more well-rounded employee and demonstrating you value them and their potential to contribute to the business’s success.
Technical and vocational skills
Job-specific training will always be relevant for all staff, helping prepare them for the tasks they’ll need to complete as part of their day-to-day work. Current training not only boosts confidence, but it also boosts productivity and your bottom line!
Delivering entry-level training
Self-paced learning
Delivering entry-level training shouldn’t impact new employees’ ability to do their job or add another layer of stress. Having a system where staff can log on and complete training when they have a gap in their day, or some free time will make it more enjoyable.
Keep it short and simple
Bite-sized modules will be quicker and easier to fit into busy days, digest and take on board. Think ‘microlearning’ and cover one idea or concept at a time.
Mobile-friendly
Your entry-level staff are likely to be consuming the majority of their content on the go via their mobile so make sure your training is accessible on a smartphone to maximise uptake, reduce accessibility issues and align with how they like to learn.
A robust learning and development strategy is a crucial part of your company’s future growth. Developing employees and working with them as they shape their career is a business investment that will pay dividends (potentially, quite literally!). As Sir Richard Branson once famously said, “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don't want to.”
If you need support, we have over 20 years' experience in writing, designing and developing online learning and, with our mix of consultancy and design services, we can get your entry-level and upwards learning on track and help your business grow.
Get in touch with us today on 01737 244328 or submit the contact form below and we'll contact you.