Addressing generational issues in training and development at Aerospace Composites Malaysia

The dynamic and hypercompetitive nature of contemporary business has made it more challenging than ever for organizations to design and sustain effective employee training and development programs. A key consideration in preparing these initiatives is the differences in outlook and expectations of the members of Generations X and Y, who tend to be willing to switch jobs more readily than their more senior colleagues. In the case of one Malaysian aircraft parts manufacturer, holding onto skilled workers in all age categories required a reevaluation of traditional methods of employee development. A new emphasis on on‐the‐job instruction featuring the latest technology, complemented with effective coaching and mentoring to facilitate communication and the seamless transfer of knowledge, helped the firm reduce turnover by 10%.