A 5-step approach to effective training methods for employees

A step-by-step approach can increase the effectiveness of training. Once you’ve established the training need and method, it’s time to develop a specific plan. If you’re training a new team member of training existing members for a new skills or method, you may find the 5-step approach useful.

Step 1: Prepare the trainee

Learning can be stressful. Some people become anxious because they’re afraid they might not do things correctly. To help put the trainee at ease, ask about previous work experience. Try to tie in the new skills you are teaching with skills the employee already has.

Step 2: Explain the job

It’s important to:

Provided an overall explanation of the job
Discuss why the job is done in a certain way.
Specify quality standards.
Talk about tolls or equipment needed to do the job. Stress the importance of using them correctly to ensure safety, prevent the need for costly repairs and avoid waste.

Step 3: Provided a demonstration.

Show the person how each step of the job is done. If you’re demonstrating how a particular piece of machinery is used, run through the process at normal speed. Then, slow it down so each step and how it relates to the next can be clearly seen. Always demonstrate the correct way to do the job.

Ask the person questions to ensure that he or she understands the process. For example:

“What safety controls does the equipment have?”
“How do I shut down equipment at the end of my shift?”

Step 4: Have the person practice the job.

People learn best by doing. To make learning an active process:

Encourage the trainee to look over the machine, tools or the jobs at hand.
Let the person perform the task. To help the employee remember key points, ask him or her to explain each step of the process as it’s completed. This will also help you check the trainee’s understanding of how the job is done.
Point out any errors and demonstrate the correct procedure. \
Continue practicing until the person understand and feel comfortable with the process.

Step 5: Monitor progress

Check periodically on the trainee’s progress. This will help ensure that the employee is making gains as expected. It will also give the employee an opportunity to clarify points he or she may not fully understand It’s also a good idea to assign an experienced team member to answer the trainee’s questions when you can’t be available.