FOR generations, the traditional pathway into a career was relatively straightforward: study the theory, earn the qualification and then learn how to put that knowledge into practice.
But across industries from construction and manufacturing to health, hospitality, automotive, agriculture and emerging technology, there is growing recognition that some skills are best developed by actually doing the job.
Hands-on training whether through apprenticeships, traineeships, vocational education, workplace placements or practical simulations gives learners the opportunity to develop skills in environments that more closely resemble the workplace they are preparing to enter.
With employers continuing to search for skilled workers, practical training can provide a valuable bridge between education and employment.
However, like any approach to education, learning by doing has advantages and limitations.
Perhaps the greatest strength of practical training is its connection to the real world.
Students can make decisions, encounter problems and receive immediate feedback while developing the confidence that comes from repeatedly putting their knowledge into practice.
For people who struggle with traditional classroom-based education, it can also provide an alternative way to learn while hands-on training can also develop skills that are difficult to teach from a book.
Communication, teamwork, time management, customer service and problem-solving are often strengthened when learners are placed in situations where they need to work alongside other people.
One of the biggest hurdles facing any new worker is the jump from knowing what to do to being confident enough to actually do it.
Practical experience can make that transition less daunting.
Mistakes can also become an important part of the learning process provided they occur in a properly supervised and safe environment.
Rather than simply being told something is wrong, learners can understand why it went wrong and how to improve the next time.
That process can build independence and problem-solving ability, two qualities employers value across almost every industry.
Hands-on training is not without its challenges as quality can vary considerably depending on the workplace, trainer and level of supervision.
A strong mentor can turn a placement or apprenticeship into an invaluable learning experience.
Poor supervision, however, can leave a learner repeating basic tasks without gaining the broader skills their qualification is supposed to provide.
There is also the danger of learning how to complete a task without fully understanding why it is done that way.
Theory remains essential in many occupations, particularly those involving safety, health, engineering, electrical work and other areas where understanding the principles behind a task can be just as important as performing it correctly.
In many careers, the strongest approach combines both.
Theory provides the foundation while practical experience gives learners the opportunity to apply that knowledge.
