Training is seen as a means of keeping staff happy rather than an investment in the business, according to research revealed by Key Note.

The research looked at staff training and found that only 30% is budgeted as part of the overall business planning process.

Similarly, in 76% of organisations, training is only given as a response to staff performance appraisals, suggesting companies are unaware or unconvinced of the benefit training can bring their business.

“Organisations that have a reactive approach to people development are far less likely to build effective training programmes into their business models and they are the least likely to prosper and build a sustainable enterprise,” said Andy Dickson, head of international experiential learning organisation Impact UK.

“Businesses need to find ways to make their organisations appealing, particularly to graduates who are increasingly more selective about where they want to work,” he added.

“If a business is investing time and money into its employees, offering exciting and innovative training programmes that really make a difference to both the company and the community – be it locally or in another country – a graduate is more likely to choose that company over another and is more likely to stay long-term.

The study by Key Note also revealed that only 40% of graduates and school-leavers complete modern apprenticeships, some 35% less than the government target.