Understanding Internal vs. External Training: Can You Help Us Clarify the Differences?

Dear Seniors,

What is the difference between internal and external training? One of our colleagues from citehr (Satish) and I are searching for the correct answer. Please guide us.

Regards,
Swapnaja

Hi there,

Here is the answer from my end.

Internal training - This happens when the trainers, who are on the company payrolls, conduct the training programs for the employees as and when required. For example, induction programs conducted by HR and Training departments in most companies. Here, trainers are the employees of the company.

External training - In this process, an external trainer from a training company or a freelance trainer is invited to conduct a 1 or 2-day workshop for the employees. This is considered external training.

Let me know if you require more info.

Internal Training, also called In-House Training, refers to all training activities conducted within the organization, which may include:

• Inviting external vendors to run programs within the organization (when the organization invites a vendor to conduct a program for groups ranging from 5 to 50), this method helps in cutting costs.

• On-the-job training (when training is required within the same job to address skill gaps).

• Job rotation (when an employee transitions to a different role within the organization, often requiring training for the new position).

• Induction programs (for new employees joining the organization).

• Company Health & Safety Programs (regular training sessions to educate staff on specific health and safety regulations set by the company).

• Fire drills.

External Training involves sending employees to training sessions outside the organization, which are typically divided into two categories: Local training and Overseas training.

Local Training: These are training sessions attended by employees outside the organization but within the same country, typically provided by local training providers.

Overseas Training: This occurs when employees are sponsored to travel outside their country to participate in a training program.

Following the above answers, I would like to know:

Internal Training

This happens when the trainers are on the company payroll and conduct training programs for the employees as and when required. For example, induction programs conducted by HR & Training departments in most companies. Here, trainers are employees of the company.

External Training

In this process, an external trainer from a training company or a freelance trainer is invited to conduct a 1 or 2-day workshop for the employees. This is external training.

Now, what if an external trainer (other than the one on the company's payroll) is invited to give training in the organization for some days? Do we call it in-house training (as happening in the organization) or external training (as provided by someone who is not on the organization’s payroll)? I am a bit confused here.