Q&A - What is “off-the-job” training?

Off-the-job training occurs when employees are taken away from their place of work to be trained.

Common methods of off-the-job training include:

• Day release (employee takes time off work to attend a local college or training centre)
• Distance learning / evening classes
• Block release courses - which may involve several weeks at a local college
• Sandwich courses - where the employee spends a longer period of time at college (e.g. six months) before returning to work
• Sponsored courses in higher education
• Self-study, computer-based training

The main advantages and disadvantages of this form of training can be summarised as follows: