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What's the Difference between Education and Training?

November 18, 2022

The terms education and training are often used interchangeably. But what exactly do they mean, and how do they differ? This article will discuss the differences between these terms to help clear up any confusion surrounding them.

Definition of education

Education revolves around learning in a classroom setting to acquire knowledge. It does not equate to schooling but refers to what a person gains when they are in school or college. With education, students are meant to gain knowledge about facts, events, beliefs, values, general concepts, and principles to help them develop a sense of reasoning, understanding, and intellect.

The lessons learned during education are meant to help students and individuals face future challenges and prepare for jobs. Additionally, education is not confined to the classroom, and there are various ways to educate oneself and gain knowledge in the digital world.

There are also various phases to education — like kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school, and college. Certificates or degrees are usually given when a person advances in their education or reaches a particular level.

Definition of training

Training is aimed at learning by doing. Typically, training is part of a well-planned program or course that is aimed at developing a specific skill set. Several companies offer on-the-job training and course to improve the performance, productivity, and competency of their existing employees. Programs are usually designed by an organization to achieve definite jobs.

With training, employees can expect to gain job-related skills to help them perform efficiently and effectively. Most employees are tested on their knowledge of what they are trained on when a program ends.

The common types of training are:

  • Laboratory training
  • Internship training
  • Job rotation
  • Sensitivity training
  • Vestibule training
  • Apprenticeship training

Key differences between education and training

There are a few significant differences between training and education. These fundamental differences include the following:

  • As part of a training program, a person or employee learns how to gain skills pertaining to a particular task or job. This differs from education, which teaches general concepts.
  • Training is mainly done to improve the performance and productivity of employees. On the other hand, education helps a person develop a sense of reasoning and judgment.
  • Training can help a person prepare for a specific task or job. At the same time, education is responsible for providing the fundaments so a person can overcome challenges and be ready for future employment.
  • Education typically lasts longer than training.
  • Training involves on-the-job or hands-on experience. While education often centers on learning in a classroom setting.
  • Education is more comprehensive and broad learning, while training is usually focused on a specific topic.
  • Training is mostly based on practical application, which is the opposite of education, which centers on theoretical orientation.
  • Training can help employees develop a specific skill set, whereas education is a typical system of learning that lasts long (sometimes years).
  • Training refers to building up the specific skill set of a person. Education provides people with theoretical knowledge in the classroom or institution.

Reach out to AlphaLogic Career College to continue your training!

AlphaLogic Career College specializes in offering unique and customized training solutions and registered diploma programs. If you’re looking to advance your office skills, we provide training for advanced office applications, computer training, and academic upgrading.

If you have questions about our courses or our college campus in London, Ontario, fill out this form to get started.