So how do we know who we should develop… and in what areas?

South Africa is faced with enormous challenges to bridge the gap between the lack of skills and the need to be highly productive. There is also a shortage of highly skilled managers. It is essential that all training and development possibilities are fully utilized to alleviate this challenge and the impact it has on business, productivity and profitability.

The purpose of a training needs analysis is to identify the skills gaps and training needs of employees. This information is then used to determine which employees should be trained and in which areas.

To determine what training employees need, we start from a description of the competence employees should have. We need to know what employees in particular posts should know, understand and be able to do to perform competently in their jobs. This is then used as a basis for determining what their current competence is. Once we have that information, we are able to determine the training they need to fill the gap between what their competence should be and what their current competence is.

Some benefits of effective training are:

1. Reduced costs and wastage through efficient maintenance of machinery and equipment. Well-trained employees need less supervision. This saves time and costs.
2. Reduction in the number and cost of accidents. Properly trained employees are familiar with safety measures and avoid wastage. This reduces costs.
3. Effective training reduces labour turnover and absenteeism because it promotes job satisfaction. It enables employees to raise their level of performance and improve the quality of their output. The right attitudes are developed and employees become more loyal and committed.
4. Effective staff development attracts new applicants and is an incentive to existing employees.
5. It aligns HR resources to company objectives. Training and development provides the required manpower and skills. Employees who acquire skills and knowledge increase their earning capacity and value in the labour market. This increases job security and creates the opportunity for promotion.
6. Because training and development makes employees more effective, customer satisfaction increases due to improved goods and services provided.

Technological development makes continual training essential for new employees as well as for older employees who need re-training and refreshers.