What is induction training?
Induction training is training given to new employees.
The purpose of the induction period (which may be a few hours or a few days) is to help a new employee settle down quickly into the job by becoming familiar with the people, the surroundings, the job and the business.
It is important to give a new employee a good impression on the first day of work. However, the induction programme should not end there.
It is also important to have a systematic induction programme, spread out over several days, to cover all the ground in the shortest effective time.
Devising an effective induction training programme
The induction programme should be drawn up in consultation with all those involved. Depending on the size and complexity of the business this may include:
• Senior management (including directors)
• Supervisors or line managers
• Personnel officers
• Health and Safety managers
• Employee or trade union representatives
What induction training involves
Usually induction involves the new employee meeting and listening to different people talk about aspects of the business.
Other methods include written information, audio visual aids and group discussion.
The following items should be covered in an effective induction programme:
• Introduction to the business/department and its personnel/management structure
• Layout of the buildings (factory / offices)
• Terms and conditions of employment (explaining the contract of employment)
• Relevant personnel policies, such as training, promotion and health and safety
• Business rules and procedures
• Arrangements for employee involvement and communication
• Welfare and employee benefits or facilities
