Difference between Training and Development

What is the Difference Between Training and
Development?
A handy summary defining and outlining the
differences between the terms ‘training’ and
‘development’, with examples.
Often the terms ‘training’ and ‘development’ are
used interchangeably. They are, however, quite
distinct. Here’s how we define them:
Training
Training is any learning activity targeted towards
the acquisition of specific knowledge or skills for
carrying out a job or task. The learning is applied
in a similar situation to that in which it is learned.
Here are some examples:
completing a computer-based module on
managing budgets in order to improve the way
you manage your project finances
shadowing or observing a colleague to learn how
to operate a till so that you can serve customers
attending a presentation skills course in order
to improve your ability to present proposals to
clients
Development
Development is a continuous, general and dynamic
expansion of skills and knowledge, and is aimed at
long-term career growth rather than immediate
performance. The transfer of learning is non-
specific as it involves learning general skills rather
than how to perform particular tasks, and the
setting in which the learning takes place is often
quite different from the setting in which it is
applied. Some examples are:
going on an influencing and negotiation skills
course to help you manage customer
expectations more effectively
attending a teambuilding event to improve the
way you and your colleagues work together
finding a mentor within your organisation to
introduce you to the structure and culture at
senior levels in your organisation and give you
more exposure to senior management
You’ll want to focus on both training and
development to ensure that your team members
are able to perform to the best of their ability,
not only in the short term (their current jobs), but
also in the long term (their future careers).