As a Program Lead, I am often asked if the training required is paid training. The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a part of the Department of Labor, determines what activities count as work time, for which employees must be paid. This can vary depending on when the training is expected, as well as your state’s laws, your employer’s policies, and if a union contract plays a factor in it. (Lisa Guerin.)
What Qualifies as Paid Training?
Whenever someone is spending time on what is considered to be training or coursework, the employee must be paid. However, an employer does not have to compensate you for training if the following applies:
- Attendance is outside of the employee’s regular working hours.
- Attendance is voluntary.
- The training is not directly related to the employee’s job.
- The employee does not perform any productive work during the training.
Of course, these four have alternate stipulations but nonetheless are the four main factors for nonpayment of training.
(Jordan B. Schwartz).
Preparing for Training
What can you do as a potential employee to prepare yourself for this? For starters, familiarize yourself with the requirements of the job. Is a four year degree required? Do you need 5 years of field experience? You should also do a little research as to what your state requires for paid training. For example, some states allow employers to pay minimum wage at training, and then on the first day of work, their hourly rate that was offered. Knowing this information beforehand will prevent you from being blindsided when you accept an offer and discuss the requirements for trainings.
What’s the Point?
Another thing you may be thinking about is whether or not training is required. The truth is that whether you’re new or experienced, effective training results in effective employees. By attending training:
- Employees know what they are doing
- It minimizes on the job errors
- It gives the employee a chance to see how the company functions
- And most importantly, it gets you off to a good start!
As you can see, training is crucial for nearly every job in the world. Even the most rudimentary routines may have specific tricks that you wouldn’t have known about if it weren’t for effective training. So whether it’s paid or unpaid, make sure to take your training seriously so you can be prepared for whatever your new job may throw at you!
The truth is that whether you’re new or experienced, effective training results in effective employees.
For more information check out the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA).
Need additional reasons to understand the importance of training? Check out this article published by Management Study Guide MSG.
References
- Does My Employer Have to Pay Me for Training?
Lisa Guerin, J.D., Boalt Hall at the University of California at Berkeley
- Employee Training: Paid or Unpaid?
Jordan B. Schwartz
http://www.wagehourblog.com/2014/01/articles/off-the-clock/employee-training-paid-or-unpaid/
Article Contributions By: Shawnita Mays
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