Employee training can be conducted in two primary ways: on the job or off the job. On-the-job training is most common, enabling the trainee to work with an experienced employee or trainer to work through issues in the actual work setting—helping to improve performance, learn new skills and develop camaraderie among staff.
Types of on-the-job training:
Job Rotation – Employees rotate through different positions in the club, enabling them to gain experience in multiple areas requiring different skills. This kind of training is particularly useful for managers to give them a broader understanding of the demands of the positions that they supervise.
Apprenticeships – Less experienced employees work with veterans to help gain a better understanding of job competencies and behaviors. This kind of mentorship program helps to strengthen bonds between employees, encourage collaboration and provide strong examples of on-the-job conduct.
Internships – Though less common in the club community as a form of training, some clubs are turning to internship programs specifically to fill gaps in the workforce for up-and-coming managerial staff. Internship programs can help to develop a source of ready-trained and competent employees to fill key positions within the club industry.
Types of off-the-job training:
Classroom Instruction – The most standard form of training, classroom instruction often combines lecture-style presentations with interactive sessions such as role-playing activities and discussions that help explain points and familiarize employees with different scenarios.
Teletraining – Teletraining can be conducted in multiple locations simultaneously using a videoconference to convey necessary training information or presentations.
Webcast – Similar to teletraining, webcasts can be used via computers to engage employees in interactive presentations and answer questions.
Video or Slide Presentations – Whether online or in person, slide and video presentations do not require the participation of an actual trainer for the entire presentation. Trainers can either do the slide presentation live or use a recorded version with a question and answer session afterwards or, in the case of video presentations, can be brought in afterwards to answer questions and discuss what the employees have learned.
Computer Training Modules – Computer-based training modules give employers the option of combining video and slide presentations with interactive training modules or simulations designed to further the employee’s understanding of the training procedures and integrate memory retention exercises with some level of simulated practice.
Excerpted from NCA’s forthcoming publication on HR best practices for private clubs.