The number of graduate employees entering the workplace is increasing year on year, meaning that graduate training programmes need to be optimised to ensure that young workers are integrated with ease.
For business leaders, implementing a focus on graduate development in workplace training can go a long way in maintaining a workforce that is committed long term and eager to help the business succeed. It can also prove to be an affordable method of recruitment and retention while securing a notable return on investment.
We’ve identified four ways in which graduate training programmes can serve to be beneficial for businesses looking to develop a collaborative workforce.
Commercial skills in graduate training programmes
While successful graduate employees will be qualified for the roles they will undertake, each business will operate in different ways in relation to their specific goals, KPIs and competitor analysis. This can make it difficult for new employees to work at their best immediately, which is where adequate training can help.
Structuring a graduate training programme to develop commercial skills related to the business will undoubtedly help employees immediately feel confident to engage with their new position, as it will allow them to work in a way that benefits their colleagues, clients and the wider business. For more information, read our blog on the five benefits of commercial skills training in the workplace.
Team development
Embracing team development skills in general workplace training helps to maintain a positive working environment long term. When it comes to graduate training programmes, allowing young employees to engage with more experienced staff members can go along way in boosting overall morale.
According to a study by Queens University of Charlotte, 75% of employees rate teamwork and collaboration as very important, further highlighting how focusing on team development can lead to a stronger workforce.
Communication skills in graduate training programmes
While entering the workplace for the first time can be exciting for graduates, it can be a daunting experience which can prevent them from voicing any issues or queries they may have in regards to their role, which can ultimately harm progression.
Providing a clear focus on developing communication skills within the workplace throughout a graduate training programme will give young employees with a platform to communicate effectively with leaders and employees, which in turn will help them to integrate into the business with ease.
Introducing leadership development
While leadership will not currently be a top priority for typical graduate employees, there are several benefits associated with providing clear paths for young employees to develop their management skills.
Typically, younger employees are more motivated by career progression compared to older generations, meaning that a glimpse into what is expected of current leaders will help them to feel valued in the workplace, thus boosting engagement and potentially reducing turnover.
Ultimately, integrating a wealth of young talent into a business does not have to be a difficult nor expensive goal to achieve for business leaders. By focusing time and investment in areas that will genuinely benefit graduate employees and allow them to flourish in their new role, noteworthy results are more likely to be seen.