Developing Induction Programs

Induction is the key to ensuring that employees have both the knowledge and confidence to commence duties as quickly as possible.  It is often
the case that a lot of employees will leave jobs because of poor induction, rather than poor selection.

Induction is more than a process of introducing employees to their jobs and team.  It is a process which can help the employee 'fit in' to the job and organisation as effectively as possible.  It also helps an individual to feel welcome and important.  Induction will provide an opportunity for learning, but also allow the employer to understand any concerns or issues the new employee may have.

Induction programs typically cover many of the 'knowledge' requirements of units of competency, for example in areas such as following safety policies and procedures, providing services to clients, working effectively, understanding relevant legislation, and teamwork.  These knowledge-based induction programs could be enhanced using units of competency by adding an 'assessment' component to be completed by new employees.  This could lead to full or partial statements of attainment being issued to new entrants upon successful completion of the induction program and assessment component.

Employers can plan an induction process based on the units contained within a job description.  Using a self assessment process, new employees can identify their immediate and short term training needs.  The induction process will also help the employee to coordinate with their supervisor to undertake any necessary initial training to be confident in undertaking job responsibilities.

Sometimes these needs may be met through simple briefings or meetings with particular people, or a guided tour, or even studying basic enterprise or company standard operating procedures.  Other times, more formal training might be required on a one-to-one or classroom basis.

The units used to conduct the self assessment will contain sufficient detail and guidance to pinpoint very detailed training requirements, ie underpinning skills and knowledge for performing work tasks.

A suggested model for induction based on Training Packages could be: