Transfer of Training

Training transfer is the "extent to which the learned behavior from the training program is used on the job." (Phillips, J. 1991*). Transfer of training is the effectiveness, success measure for the employee and the organization. To evaluate this effectiveness, measures are made at the end of training to determine how much the trainee has learned, immediately on the job to assess initial improvement from training, and at a later time--usually six months or one year--to determine if what was learned is being used.

With the rapid changes in technology used in the workplace and the ever increasing emphasis on productivity due to global competition, organizations are spending significant funds on training. According to the American Society for Training and Development, as much as $210 billion is spent annually on employee training in the U.S. In the past, it was often just assumed that training was effective and contributing to improved job performance. Today, more and more organizations want training effectiveness and transfer measured in terms of on-the-job performance so that return-on-investment (ROI) can be calculated or, at least, estimated.

*Handbook of Training Evaluation and Measurement Methods, Second Edition. Houston, TX: Gulf Publishing Company.