Among the most common questions concerning training and development is where it will occur. Generally, training and development take place either on-site or off-site. However, some training and development settings don’t neatly fit into either category. Training provided on-site is usually organization-centric. Often, this training is designed and/or delivered by a coworker, a supervisor or manager, or a member of the human resource department.

Even when it is provided by an outside vendor, the training occurs on the organization’s property and often is customized to address specific organizational needs. Not all organizational settings are the same, and there are important differences among those that can be categorized as on-site. For example, on-site training can occur on the job itself, where they normally perform the same functions. However, on-site training can also refer to using a conference or training room within the facility where the trainees work.

Training and development provided off-site tends to be less organization-centric. The content is less likely to be specifically developed or tailored for the organization. However, customization is merely a comment on content, not quality. Off-site training also encompasses a range of options. Locally, organizations can take advantage of training opportunities within the communities where they reside. Looking at nonlocal off-site options, organizations can send employees to conferences in another city or state.

While seemingly the categories of on-site and off-site should encompass all settings, the corporate university is a notable option for providing training and development that encompasses characteristics of both on-site and off-site instruction. Corporate universities often have their own campuses, or at the very least buildings, with dedicated trainers and faculty and established curricula. As such, corporate universities are relatively centralized, so unless trainees are taking an online course, or by chance are located nearby, they will need to travel to the corporate university. No matter where it is located, the corporate university is focused on the organization’s needs.