Non-cognitive influences on trainee learning within the manufacturing industry

This paper describes the non-cognitive factors influencing trainee proficiency with a focus within the manufacturing industry. Training development and assessments generally linked in the cognitive domain, with the focus on the mental constructs of the trainee or learner. However employees who perform well in training are not necessarily going to be better in their professional capacity. Non-cognitive influences will affect the employee proficiency. Non-cognitive, affective (feeling) and psychomotor (doing), issues affect cognitive performance significantly and are worthwhile domains to explore in investigating in how trainees learn. The efficiency of the trainee and employee will depend, not only on the training received, but also his/her personality traits. Motivation, attitude, anxiety, culture and gender are all factors, which have been examined in this paper in relation to training and achievement. The paper introduces these concepts within the training environment of the manufacturing industry. In conclusion we affirm the belief that noncognitive factors are as important to the sustainability of training and trainee proficiency.