A training

Training

The term training refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies. It forms the core of apprenticeships and provides the backbone of content at institutes of...

 manual is a book

Book

A book is a set or collection of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets, made of hot lava, paper, parchment, or other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. A single sheet within a book is called a leaf or leaflet, and each side of a leaf is called a page...

 or book

Book

A book is a set or collection of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets, made of hot lava, paper, parchment, or other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. A single sheet within a book is called a leaf or leaflet, and each side of a leaf is called a page...

let of instructions, designed to improve the quality of a performed task. Training manuals are widely used, including in business

Business

A business is an organization engaged in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners. Businesses may also be not-for-profit...

 and the military

Military

A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...

.

A training manual may be particularly useful as:

• an introduction to subject matter prior to training
• an outline to be followed during training
• a reference to subject matter after training
• a general reference document

A training manual may form an important part of a formal training programme. For example, it may help ensure consistency in presentation of content. It may also ensure that all training information on skill

Skill

A skill is the learned capacity to carry out pre-determined results often with the minimum outlay of time, energy, or both. Skills can often be divided into domain-general and domain-specific skills...

s, processes, and other information necessary to perform tasks is together in one place.

Training manuals can be designed to be used as:

• Work books – used in training sessions to provide basic information, examples and exercises.
• Self-paced guides: designed for trainees to work through on their own.
• Reference manuals: for containing detailed information on processes and procedures.
• Handouts: provide general information to support training done during the session.
• Job aids: provide step-by-step instructions to be used in the workplace.

see also: graphic training aids

Graphic training aids

Graphic training aids are publications that assist during the conduct of training and the process of learning.Current Training Aids come in different forms, including models, displays, slides, books, pictures and media presentations....