Off the job training methods can be initiated either with the assistance of a worker's employer, or by the workers themselves as a means to increase their marketable skills and therefore income. Typically, off the job training refers to ongoing training conducted while still employed after normal business hours have concluded.
Informal Self-Directed Learning
Self-directed learning as a method of off the job-training presents a double edged sword of sorts for both employers and employees. On the upside, self-directed skills training can drastically improve the initial capabilities of workers who are able to systematically interpret and retain information they source themselves through means such as videos and skill books.
Enhanced skills for the worker may eventually translate into a better work situation and earning potential. The downside of informal self-directed learning for both the worker and employee is that it can be difficult to establish and test the effectiveness of the skills obtained through self-directed studies. In order to validate their own self-directed study, workers can opt to either find direct work experience in the subject matter, thus proving their study was successful, or complete third-party skills testing from an accredited source for added legitimacy.
Formalized Distance Studies
Formalized distance studies combine the convenience, flexibility and self-determination of the informal approach with the backing of certificate, diploma or degree accreditation, which can in some cases establish a more easily marketable set of skills. Typically, distance learning programs have some sort of interactive component with their issuing organizations.
For example, distance courses can be taught via Internet broadcast and assignments are graded and submitted digitally. Workers taking part in formalized system studies after regular work hours are likely to combine textbook reading with Internet media coursework and workbooks in either online or paper form. Formalized systems studies command a higher level of recognition from employers than entirely self-directed informal learning.
Night Courses
Night courses are generally provided by community colleges and sometimes universities, and are aimed at just these sorts of off the job methods of training that many workers are looking for to improve their earning potential. One of the key advantages of night courses is that they do not offer the same level of technical difficulties for students who are not particularly adept with computers and may encounter difficulties with the computer usage aspect of formalized distance studies.
How Learning New Skills Raises Earning Potential
According to Sharif Shakrani, co-director of the education policy center at Michigan State University, “In today's economy, education is closely related to economic growth.” While critics might question the neutrality of such a statement given its source, it is a fairly safe assumption to make that extra education will eventually translate to higher earning potential for individual workers, particularly when backed by widely acknowledged educational institutions.
Sources:
Free Management Library: Strong Value of Self-Directed Learning in the Workplace
College of Marin: How to Improve Reading Comprehension
Michigan State University: The Value of Higher Education
FAO Corporate Document Repository: Principles and Methods of Training
Daniel Mueller - Dan Mueller is Canadian... how exotic! Give him money he'll write (arguably) interesting things for you! MuellerWordsmithing@gmail.com
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