ASK THE 7TH ESTATE: WHERE DID THE FIELD OF CORPORATE TRAINING COME FROM?

As keynote speakers and futurists, we talk about the influence and impact of The 7th Estate often – and training and upskilling professionals are a major part of it. But where did the profession and practice start? As a bit of background: Corporate training, also known as corporate education or more recently workplace learning, is a system of activities designed to educate employees. Its history can be traced as far back as the Industrial Revolution, although it has significantly evolved over the years.

Industrial Revolution to Early 20th Century: During this time period, there was a shift from agrarian to factory work – and it saw the beginnings of training, primarily focusing on the “on-the-job” approach where experienced workers trained the new ones. Early formal training programs also began to emerge, typically focused on technical skills relevant to specific industries.

1920s – 1940s: As businesses grew larger and more complex, there was a recognition of the need for managerial skills. Business schools began to flourish, and companies started to focus on in-house training for management roles. Training programs started to become more structured and systematic.

1950s – 1960s: After World War II, the rapid expansion of the U.S. economy led to a greater need for corporate training. There was a particular focus on management and leadership training, with companies recognizing that good management could significantly enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Training programs expanded to include soft skills such as communication and teamwork.

1970s – 1990s: As an era, it saw the rise of Human Resources Development (HRD) departments within organizations, emphasizing the importance of ongoing employee development. With advances in technology and the growth of the knowledge-based economy, there was an increased focus on professional development and learning new technologies. The use of videos and computer-based training began to supplement traditional classroom-style training.

2000s – Present: The rapid development of technology has revolutionized corporate training. E-learning, online training programs, and webinars have made training more accessible and convenient. Simultaneously, companies have recognized the importance of a learning culture and continuous professional development. The focus of training has broadened from technical and soft skills to include areas such as diversity and inclusion, mental health, and sustainability.

Future Trends: As we look to the future, trends such as microlearning (breaking learning into small, manageable chunks), gamification (using game elements to promote learning), mobile learning, and adaptive learning (customizing learning to individual needs) are gaining traction. There’s also an increasing focus on learning analytics to measure and improve the effectiveness of training programs. With the rapid pace of technological change, lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important, and corporate training will continue to evolve to meet these needs.