Difference between Training and Development

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

Training and Development are one of the most important aspects of staffing. Training and development play an important role in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation and the employees. Training increases job skills while development shapes attitude. Training focuses on developing the skills, which are already possessed by an employee, whereas development focuses on developing hidden qualities and talents of employees. 

Training and Development

What is Training?

The process of increasing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of employees for doing work is known as Training. It is a process by which attitudes, skills, and capabilities to do a particular job are increased. It is a process of learning new skills and applying knowledge. Its main aim is to improve the performance of the current job and prepare them for any future job. Training enhances productivity and reduces accidents and wastage of resources. It also helps to increase the morale and satisfaction of the employees. 

What is Development?

Development refers to the overall growth of the employees. These are learning opportunities that are designed for employees to grow. These include not only those activities which help to improve employees' performance but also help in employees' growth. 

Difference between Training and Development:

Basis

Training

Development

MeaningTraining refers to the process of increasing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of employees for doing work.Development refers to the overall growth of the employees. These are learning opportunities that are designed for employees to grow. 
AimIts main aim is to help the employee to do the job better.Its main aim is the overall growth of employees.
OrientationIt is job oriented. It is career oriented.
Scope of learningIt has a narrow scope as it is a part of development.It has a broader scope as it includes training.
SuitabilityIt is more suitable for technical staff.It is more suitable for managerial staff.
SkillsIt involves teaching technical skills.It involves teaching technical, human, and conceptual skills.
DurationIt is a short-term process.It is a long-term process as it is career oriented.
Level of trainees involvedTrainees are non-managerial here.Trainees are managerial here.
Depth of knowledge impartedKnowledge is imparted for doing a specific kind of job.Knowledge is imparted for the growth of an employee in all respects.
Initiative in learningEmployers take the initiative in providing training to their employees.Individuals take initiative by themselves for their growth and development.
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