Internal training: definition, advantages and practical guide to adopt it

Marie
28/11/2024
5 min read

Imagine a company that shares its know-how internally, much like a chef who shares his cooking secrets with his team. This is the idea of internal training: a simple, direct and tailor-made way of developing the skills of employees by drawing on the resources already available in the company.

Unlike external training, which is often standardized and provided by specialized organizations, internal training is tailor-made. It is designed by the company to its employees, taking into account its challenges, its culture and its strategic objectives.

In practice, what does that mean?

  • A 100% homemade organization: The company manages everything from A to Z, from the choice of content to the practical organization.
  • Exclusive participants: Only company employees participate, thus strengthening the sense of belonging.
  • Hyper-targeted content: The programs are adapted to the specific needs of the company, whether it is a new way of working or a key skill to be transmitted.

In short, internal training is a powerful tool for growing talent while strengthening collective dynamics. And what do you know? It also has a small economic side, but we'll talk about that later!

Why focus on internal training in your HR strategy?

When it comes to developing talent in business, internal training ticks all the boxes. It not only meets the individual needs of each employee, it also brings real strategic advantages for the company and even for the trainers. Do you want to know why? That's what makes it so valuable.

For the company: multiple benefits

First, let's talk about efficiency. Organizing in-house training is often less expensive than using external organizations. No travel required, no high registration fees... You save while remaining relevant.

Then there's personalization. Internal training is designed to meet exactly the challenges of the company. Do you need to form a team on a specific tool or to transmit unique knowledge? No worries, everything is adjusted to your goals.

And then there is confidentiality. You can share strategic information or sensitive methods without fear of them going outside the walls of the company. You have control from start to finish.

For employees: a springboard to evolve

A course that really speaks to you makes all the difference, right? This is exactly what in-house training offers. It meets the expectations of employees, whether they are:

  • adapt to a rapidly evolving position,
  • develop new skills,
  • or simply to be better integrated into the team, such as during recruitment.

The result? Employees feel supported and better prepared to meet daily challenges. And the icing on the cake, it opens doors: career development, expanded responsibilities, and why not an increase as a bonus?

For trainers: a great recognition

Being appointed as a trainer is no small thing. It is a proof of trust and a great recognition of an employee's expertise. But that's not all: training is also a golden opportunity to develop skills in pedagogy, communication and group leadership.

Creating materials, explaining complex concepts in a simple way, managing a group... These experiences enrich the professional career and bring real added value to the resume. A real boost, even for the most seasoned experts.

Why integrate internal training into your HR strategy?

Whether it is to develop your teams, transmit specific knowledge or simply strengthen your corporate culture, internal training is a real asset. It offers concrete advantages for everyone: the company, employees, and even trainers. Let's look at that in detail.

1. The benefits for the company: flexibility and savings

Organizing in-house training is a bit like cooking with your own ingredients: you have everything at hand, it's cheaper, and you know exactly what you're preparing.

  • Controlled budget: No more invoices from external organizations. You make use of your internal resources, thus reducing costs.
  • Customized training: Each session is designed to meet the specific needs of the business, whether it is a unique tool, method, or skill.
  • Confidentiality guaranteed: Your business secrets stay at home. No need to share your sensitive methods or data with an external service provider.

In summary, it is an economical, fast solution that is fully adapted to your goals.

2. The advantages for employees: evolving with training that matters

What could be better than training that speaks directly to your job or to your current needs? With internal training, employees don't just feel “trained”, they feel understood.

  • Advance in your career: Developing new skills, adapting to changes, or even preparing for increased responsibilities, anything is possible.
  • Customized support: Internal training courses precisely meet the expectations expressed during professional interviews.
  • Facilitate integration: For newcomers, it's an effective way to immerse themselves in company values, tools, and practices.

The result? An increase in skills that benefits both the employee and the company.

3. The benefits for trainers: valorization and new skills

For employees chosen as trainers, it is much more than a simple role: it is a recognition of their expertise and a chance to learn to teach.

  • Recognition of their talent: To be appointed as a trainer means to be recognized as a pillar in your field.
  • Develop teaching skills: Learning to lead a group, transmitting knowledge in a clear way, and creating supports, all valuable skills for evolving.
  • A rewarding experience: These new skills enrich a resume and can open the way to other opportunities, both internally and externally.

The tools and means to distribute your internal training

In-house training is more than organizing sessions in a meeting room. With today's tools and technologies, you can transmit your knowledge in a flexible, interactive and accessible way. Here are some ideas for bringing your internal training courses to life and making them even more effective.

1. Digital tools: flexibility and accessibility

With digital technology, training no longer knows borders. You can train your teams wherever they are, while giving them the freedom to progress at their own pace.

  • E-learning: Offer interactive modules that your employees can follow remotely, on a computer or smartphone. It's ideal for learning at your own pace, without disrupting the work schedule.
  • Webinars: A perfect tool for live sessions with a trainer. Participants can ask questions in real time, even from miles away.
  • Training videos: Creating engaging videos is a great way to capture attention and ensure effective learning. For practical advice and concrete examples, discover our article How to make your internal training videos a success.

2. Practical means for on-site training

Sometimes, nothing beats face-to-face training, especially for practical or interactive training.

  • Equipped rooms: Make sure you have a dedicated space, with everything you need (projectors, boards, computer equipment). A well-thought-out environment promotes concentration and learning.
  • Printed materials: Workbooks, practical guides or summary sheets... They remain simple but effective tools to support training courses.

3. Immersive approaches: learning by doing

What if we went a bit beyond traditional formats? Immersive courses allow participants to dive directly into concrete situations.

  • Workplace training (FEST): The trainer accompanies the employee directly to his workstation. It is an ideal method for practical learning.
  • Serious games: These educational games make learning fun and engaging. Perfect for complex or technical subjects!
  • Virtual reality: To simulate specific environments, such as a factory or a construction site, without taking real risks.

4. Internal resources: capitalize on the expertise of your teams

You probably have in-house experts who are able to pass on their knowledge. Why not value them?

  • Trainer-learner pairs: An experienced employee accompanies a junior colleague for personalized learning.
  • Resource library: Centralize manuals, videos, and internal guides on a shared platform for on-demand access.

In-house training: a winning strategy for all

When you think about it, internal training is a real virtuous circle. The company strengthens its competitiveness by developing tailor-made skills. Employees, on the other hand, evolve, feel valued and better prepared to meet the challenges of their position. As for trainers, they gain recognition and enrich their professional career.

The result? There is something for everyone. A more efficient company, more committed teams and loyal talents. It is much more than just a training tool: it is a sustainable investment in the future.

But that is not all. Do you want to go further and measure the real impact of your training courses? Discover our guide Calculate the ROI of your training courses: 3 simple methods. With practical advice and clear steps, learn how to transform your programs into real performance drivers.

So why wait? Take the lead and turn your internal resources into drivers of success. What if you started today? 😊

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Marie
11 Jan 2022
5 min read