Training activities: definition and new post-reform objectives

The definition and objectives of the training action have evolved over the years and remain at the heart of professional training policy in France. Indeed, the "Avenir Professionnel" law of September 5, 2018 has once again broadened this definition, with concrete consequences for companies' training policy .

This has therefore given rise to new challenges and new modalities for companies and learners alike. Where do we stand today? What are the new training objectives? What different types of training exist, and how can they be implemented? What are the new ways of learning? Answers in this article.

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What is a training action?

A new definition

The definition of a training action has been modified following the Law of September 5, 2018.

It is now defined as "an educational pathway enabling the achievement of a professional objective".

👉 This new definition will therefore liberate and secure pedagogical innovation, through a legal framework.

The training action can be carried out in :

• on-the-job,
• face-to-face,
• partly remote,
• entirely remote.

💡 Among the training courses that can take place partly or completely at a distance is the SPOC, a very popular type of e-learning course.

New obligations

The new definition of the training action has also led to the appearance of certain mandatory mentions on the agreement:

• training title, objectives and content,
• planned means,
• duration and period,
• procedures for carrying out, monitoring and sanctioning the action,
• price and terms of payment.

👉 In addition, the law of September 5, 2018 requires companies to contribute to the financing of vocational training and apprenticeships, through a single financial contribution calculated on the basis of payroll.

What are the different types of training action?

Skills assessment

A skills assessment is a professional training program designed to enable employees to:

• analyze their personal and professional skills, aptitudes and motivations;
• define a training project;
• use their assets as a negotiating tool for employment, training or career development.

Apprenticeships

Learning actions, or in other words learning by doing, are a method by which learners acquire new skills, by collaborating on concrete problems.

👉 This encourages individual and collective learning.

Validation of acquired experience (VAE)

Validation of acquired experience is a measure that enables anyone, whatever their age, level of education or status, to have their acquired experience validated in order to obtain professional certification.

👉 VAE enables you to obtain, in full or in part, a diploma, title or certificate of professional qualification registered in the Répertoire national des certifications professionnelles (RNCP).

What are the objectives of a training action?

To help employees adapt to their workstations

One of the aims of a training program is to help employees adapt to their workstations, while maintaining their position within the company. This enables learners to :

• develop their skills, whether or not they are related to their job;
• obtain a higher qualification.

Facilitating access to employment

This also enables people with no professional qualifications or employment contract to access employment under the right conditions.

👉 Example: the "Avenir professionnel" law aims to promote disabled people's access to the job market, notably through the creation of 40,000 new jobs in adapted companies by 2022.

Reducing the risks associated with unsuitable qualifications

Another objective is to reduce the risks of unsuitable qualifications for employees whose jobs are at risk. This may be due to :

• changes in company techniques and structures ;
• digitalization of the business, requiring new skills;
• technological developments that threaten the very existence of the profession.

Encouraging professional mobility

This will enable employees to see other horizons and develop their professional and human skills .

👉 Example : In addition, many employees want to retrain or set up their own business, but face obstacles such as the risk of losing income if they resign.

The French "Avenir professionnel" law has introduced a number of new measures, including unemployment benefit entitlements, which will now be available to resigning employees with a business start-up or professional retraining project.

How to design a training program?

The new definition of the training action and its objectives should enable more operational training courses, which meet the specific needs of each company and each learner. All this, with adapted, legally compliant and innovative methods.

So, implementing a training action is a necessity. Whether it's e-learning, on-the-job or classroom training, here are the 5 essential elements of an optimal training program:

• Defining training objectives and needs
  Precisely define the objectives of the training action, taking into account the learner's needs and expectations. If the employer has selected several training courses, a training plan can be drawn up.
  
  
• List the training methods
  Define the training framework and structure. This could be online, hybrid or on-the-job training.
  
  
• List the human and financial resources required
  Choose the right trainer(s) and funding options. If the training takes place in person, you'll also need to determine the location and, if necessary, how it will be financed.
  
  
• Determining assessment methods
  Determining assessment methods will enable you to effectively monitor the learners for whom the trainers are responsible.
  
  
• Setting up follow-up and dashboards
  Finally, the trainer and HR department need to monitor the training of the learner(s) selected. This will enable them to detect any problems or maladjustments and thus counter them as quickly as possible.

💡 You can also use training management software such as Eleo. This intuitive, comprehensive and easy-to-use platform will enable you to effectively pilot all your training plans, with easier management for training managers.

👉 Example: If you're not very comfortable with numbers, Eleo gives you the chance to visualize your budget tracking in real time, using playful filters!

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The training action, a real lever for skills

As you're well aware, skills are essential to a company's competitiveness and performance. The reform of the training action has therefore given much greater recognition to the learners' work situation. It now encourages the transmission of knowledge within companies, and offers real advantages, particularly for employees.

In fact, the government has defined "pedagogical innovation" objectives. It encourages companies and training organizations to present innovative training courses (SPOC, digital learning, etc.) and to simplify on-the-job training. It's a win-win situation for both parties, and considerably enhances professional fulfillment and productivity in the long term.