When your team has a knowledge or skill gap, the right training solution can ensure your team is set up for success. But with so many options, how do you know which one to choose? In this blog post, I’ll explore the pros and cons of four popular training methods: instructor-led training, on-the-job training, coaching or mentoring, and eLearning. Read on to make an informed decision tailored to your needs!
Instructor-Led Training (ILT)
ILT involves training sessions led by an instructor, whether that is in a classroom, workshop, or virtual setting. This method typically works well for small groups. ILT in a virtual setting, such as a Zoom meeting, is commonly referred to as virtual instructor-led training (VILT).
Pros
- Real-time Q&A and feedback
- Builds relationships between participants and instructors
- Ideal for hands-on practice
Cons
- High costs compared to other methods
- Scheduling challenges
- Disruptions to daily schedules
On-The-Job Training (OJT)
With OJT, employees learn under the guidance of a supervisor or colleague. They gain practical experience while performing every day tasks on the job. OJT is commonly used during onboarding.
Pros
- Highly relevant since it happens in the work environment
- Allows for immediate skill application
- Low-cost
Cons
- Quality depends on the trainer
- Inconsistencies across employees
- May temporarily reduce productivity
Coaching or Mentoring
Coaching and mentoring are 1:1 approaches that allow for personalized training. Mentoring is typically for long-term development, while coaching is short-term and centered around a specific goal.
Pros
- Tailored to individual needs
- Can strengthen working relationships
- Builds trust and knowledge-sharing
Cons
- Time-intensive
- Effectiveness depends on the coach or mentor’s skills
- Hard to scale for larger teams
eLearning
eLearning is online training that can include interactive components and various forms of multi-media. Although eLearning technically refers to any training conducted on the internet, most people use eLearning to mean self-paced training.
Pros
- Scalable and cost-effective
- Flexible scheduling
- Trackable via a Learning Management System (LMS)
Cons
- Need an LMS or hosting solution
- Lack of interpersonal interaction
- Effectiveness depends on design quality
Training Solutions at a Glance
| Training Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| ILT | Real-time feedback, relationship building, hands-on practice | High costs, scheduling challenges, workflow disruptions |
| OJT | Highly relevant, immediate skill application, low-cost | Trainer-dependent, inconsistencies, productivity losses |
| Coaching/Mentoring | Individualized, relationship building, knowledge-sharing | Time-intensive, coach or mentor-dependent, hard to scale |
| eLearning | Scalable and cost-effective, flexible scheduling, trackable | Lack of interpersonal interaction, design-dependent, requires an LMS or hosting solution |
Conclusion
Often times, organizations will need to use a combination of methods to meet their unique needs. When making a decision, consider your goals and resources. While no single solution fits all situations, eLearning offers unique advantages for scalability and flexibility. Still unsure which training method is best for your team? Let’s talk! Book a free strategy session to discuss your unique challenges and goals.