Classroom training approaches are conducted outside of the normal work setting. In this sense, a classroom can be any training space set away from the work site, such as the company cafeteria or a meeting room. Although many organizations capitalize on whatever usable space they have available to conduct training sessions, some larger organizations maintain facilities that serve as freestanding training centers.

These training centers are now increasingly referred to as corporate universities, with curricula that include courses covering a wide range of skill and content areas. Conducting training away from the work setting has several advantages over OJT. First, classroom settings permit the use of a variety of training techniques, such as video/DVD, lecture, discussion, role playing, and simulation. Second, the environment can be designed or controlled to minimize distractions and create a climate conducive to learning. Third, classroom settings can accommodate larger numbers of trainees than the typical on-the-job setting.

Two potential disadvantages of classroom methods include increased costs and dissimilarity to the job setting.