Training and development is the ongoing process of educating employees to provide them with the skills they need for their job while also preparing them for the company’s future. It is usually the responsibility of the Human Resources (HR) department to guide employee development, from initial training during the onboarding process to continued education and skill enhancement throughout their career.

Training and development is important to learn because it enables organizations to be innovative and stay competitive, as it helps them keep up with changing technologies and evolving industry standards. Online learning is increasingly leveraged to this end, as it has made employee education more accessible than ever. Comprehensive training and development programs can also help companies attract better talent by offering an engaging environment that values their career and personal growth.‎

Professionals with a talent for teaching may have career opportunities as training and development specialists, helping employees learn new skills that they can apply on the job. Even in cases where online learning tools can help make training easier, employees still need guidance to select the right courses to meet their job requirements as well as assistance and motivation in completing these programs.

Human Resources (HR) managers oversee the planning and coordination of the training and development programs in their organization, among other responsibilities. From preliminary onboarding all the way to leadership development, they oversee the continued education of all personnel. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they make a median salary of $116,720 per year, and their job growth is expected to be faster than average for all occupations.‎

Yes! Coursera offers a wide range of online courses and Specializations in training and development, as well as associated topics like e-Learning, learning to teach, and managing talent. In April 2020, Forbes ranked Coursera’s online learning platform the “Best for Academics,” and it enables you to learn about training and development from top-ranked institutions like the University of Minnesota, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, and the Commonwealth Education Trust.

With flexible course schedules, virtual office hours, and group collaboration projects, you’ll be able to have the interactive experiences with faculty and students that are so important to learning. And best of all, you’ll be doing the same coursework and earning the same credits as on-campus alternatives, but at a substantially lower tuition.‎