Competency based Training

What is competency based training?

Competency based training (CBT) is a method of training that focuses on the development of specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (competencies) required to perform a particular job or role.

It aligns training with the exact competencies needed for a specific job or role. This approach ensures the training is directly relevant to both the employee’s needs and the organization’s goals.

Competency based Training (CBT) focuses on developing the specific skills and knowledge needed to perform a job effectively. In CBT, trainers first identify the necessary competencies for a role. Then, they create a training program to help employees acquire these competencies.

The training breaks down into small, manageable steps, allowing employees to learn and practice at their own pace. This method ensures that employees can immediately apply what they’ve learned to their job.

CBT is especially useful in industries like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, where specialized knowledge and skills are crucial, and where staying current with new technologies is essential.

The benefits of competency based training include a customized approach that meets the specific needs of both employees and the organization. Focusing on specific knowledge and abilities makes the training relevant and directly applicable to the job. This approach can increase employee performance and promote continuous learning.

By emphasizing the development of leadership and management skills, effective communication, and conflict resolution, CBT contributes to team development and high-performing teams. It also supports employee career development by aligning training with an employee’s career path and the organization’s succession planning. This method helps build a high-performance culture where employees feel empowered and capable in their day-to-day roles.

How can you use competency based training?

Competency based Training (CBT) offers a dynamic way to build and refine the skills needed in today’s fast-paced work environments. Here’s how organizations can make the most of CBT:

1. Onboarding and orientation: Kickstart new hires with the right skills and knowledge. CBT ensures they understand company policies, procedures, and systems from day one, setting them up for success.
2. Career development: Want to see your team grow? CBT paves the way for career development by helping employees master the skill sets they need to climb the ladder within your organization.
3. Compliance training: CBT helps your team stay compliant with laws, regulations, and industry standards, maintaining high levels of organizational integrity.
4. Technical and specialized training: Whether it’s mastering the latest technology or gaining specialized knowledge, CBT provides the targeted training employees need for their specific roles.
5. Refresher training: CBT offers timely updates on new technologies and industry changes, ensuring that your employees are always on top of their game.
6. Cross-training: Flexibility is key. CBT empowers employees to expand their skill sets and take on multiple roles, making your workforce more adaptable and resilient.
7. Team development: Build stronger teams with CBT, by focusing on communication skills and the stage of team development, your teams will collaborate better and solve problems more effectively.
8. Safety training: CBT ensures that employees have the knowledge and abilities needed to perform their jobs safely, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
9. Leadership and management development: Good leaders make all the difference. CBT hones leadership skills and equips managers with the tools they need to guide their teams effectively.

By integrating CBT into your training programs, you’ll not just develop skills—you can also promote a culture of continuous learning and growth. This approach doesn’t just prepare employees for their day-to-day tasks; it empowers them to excel and adapt in real-time, driving both personal and organizational success.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of competency based training?

Benefits of CBT	Drawbacks of CBT
Modified for specific roles: CBT is customized for each job role, focusing on the exact skills and knowledge needed.	Time consuming to develop: Creating CBT programs requires significant time to identify specific skills and design customized training.
Practical application: CBT emphasizes hands-on practice, allowing employees to apply what they’ve learned directly to their work.	Not suitable for all training: CBT may not be effective for training that requires deep theoretical understanding.
Boosts efficiency: By ensuring employees have the right skills, CBT improves efficiency and productivity.	Not ideal for all learners: CBT demands self-motivation and discipline, which may not suit every learning style.
Encourages self learning: CBT allows employees to learn at their own pace, promoting self-directed learning and ownership of development.	May undervalue theory: The focus on practical skills might lead to an underappreciation of theoretical knowledge, limiting holistic understanding.
Cost effective: CBT can be more affordable than traditional methods by focusing on specific competencies and reducing the need for broad, less relevant training.	Costly to implement: Setting up and maintaining a CBT program can be expensive for organizations.
Supports career growth: CBT offers opportunities for employees to develop and advance within the organization.	May not cover everything: CBT might not address all aspects of a job, requiring additional training methods for complete employee development.
Aligns with organizational goals: CBT ensures that training aligns with the company’s goals, benefiting both the organization and its employees.

Real world examples of competency based training

• Toyota’s: Toyota’s Gemba program is all about leaders hitting the factory floor to observe, engage, and identify improvement areas firsthand. This practical, boosts efficiency and promotes strong collaboration among teams.
• Unilever Future Leaders: Unilever grooms its next-generation leaders through rotations, mentoring, and targeted learning in key business areas, building well-rounded professionals ready to drive the company forward.
• McDonald’s Hamburger University: McDonald’s global training hub blends classroom learning with hands-on practice, ensuring managers and leaders excel in customer service and operational efficiency.
• Amazon: Amazon career choice program is meant to invests in its employees’ futures by offering education and training customized according to in-demand skills. This results into enhancement of career growth and job mobility within and beyond the company.
• Deloitte: Deloitte’s Greenhouse immerses leaders in creative problem-solving. Through dynamic workshops and simulations, participants sharpen their strategic thinking and innovation skills, preparing them for complex challenges.

What are the key concepts of competency based training?

• Competency identification: Start by identifying the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for each job role. These competencies form the foundation of CBT.
• Customized training programs: Customize training programs to target the identified competencies, ensuring that employees develop relevant, practical skills.
• Incremental learning: Break down the training into small, manageable steps. This approach allows employees to progress at their own pace, building a solid understanding of each competency.
• Practical application: Focus on applying learned skills in real-world scenarios. Provide employees with opportunities to practice and demonstrate their competencies, reinforcing their learning and boosting confidence.
• Assessment and feedback: Conduct regular assessments to monitor progress. Provide constructive feedback to guide employees toward achieving the desired competency levels.
• Alignment with organizational Goals: Ensure that the training aligns with the organization’s goals. CBT should directly contribute to the company’s success by developing skills that support high performance.
• Self-paced learning: Offer flexibility by allowing employees to learn at their own pace. This encourages self-directed learning and accommodates different learning styles, making the training more effective.