Refers to structured learning activities designed to help individuals acquire, improve, or maintain specific abilities or competencies required to perform tasks effectively in education, work, or daily life. It typically focuses on:

• Job-specific skills (e.g., welding, coding, accounting)
• Transferable or soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, time management)
• Digital or technical skills (e.g., data entry, using software tools)
• Life or foundational skills (e.g., financial literacy, critical thinking)

Skills training takes place in various settings, such as community colleges, vocational programs, apprenticeships, online platforms, or on-the-job learning environments. Skills training is a key component of most employers' training and development programs. It helps ensure that employees have the competencies needed to perform their current roles and adapt to evolving job requirements. This training is typically provided in a range of employer programs:

• Onboarding & Initial Training - New hires receive training in job-specific skills, company systems, and protocols.
• Job-Specific Training - Employees learn new tools, processes, or technologies needed for their current role. This often includes safety training, technical updates, or industry certifications.
• Upskilling - Enhances existing skills to meet higher performance standards or take on new responsibilities.
• Reskilling - Provides training in entirely new skills so employees can shift to different roles within the organization.
• Soft Skills Training - Focuses on communication, leadership, teamwork, and other interpersonal skills.
• Compliance & Regulatory Training - Teaches employees legal and ethical requirements related to their industry (e.g., data privacy, workplace harassment prevention).

Employers often partner with outside providers, community colleges, or online platforms (like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Skillsoft) to deliver skills training. Many use internal learning management systems (LMS) to track progress and outcomes.

There are many alternative or related terms used by stakeholder groups:  employers, educators, policymakers, and workforce development professionals:

• Employers / Human Resources
  • Employee Training
  • Upskilling
  • Reskilling
  • Professional Development
  • Talent Development
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Leadership Development (when skills training targets supervisory or executive roles)

• Educators / Training Providers
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE)
  • Vocational Training
  • Technical Training
  • Occupational Training
  • Work-Based Learning
  • Apprenticeship Training
• Policymakers / Government Programs
  • Workforce Training
  • Job Training
  • Skills Development
  • Adult Education and Training
  • Retraining Programs
  • Industry-Recognized Training
• Workforce Development Organizations / Nonprofits
  • Workforce Readiness Training
  • Skills Development Programs
  • Bridge Programs (to connect basic education to job training)
  • Sector-Based Training
  • Pre-Apprenticeship Programs