AN EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF STAFF TRAINING ON JOB PERFORMANCE IN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND (ITF) JOS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA (2019-2024)

Abstract

 This paper examined the impact of staff training on job performance in Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. To evaluate the impact of training investments on employee performance across all ITF departments, the research uses a quantitative descriptive survey design, grounded in Human Capital Theory and Kirkpatrick's four-level training-evaluation model. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools to test relationships between training variables and performance outcomes. Findings revealed that staff training substantially increases both task performances; measured by quality, timeliness, accuracy and contextual performance, including teamwork and initiative. The relevance of training content to job roles, frequency of training, and a supportive post-training transfer climate emerged as critical factors for sustaining performance gains. Nevertheless, gaps remain in systematic needs assessment and post-training evaluation, limiting the full realization of training benefits. The study recommends institutionalizing competency-based needs assessments, incorporating supervisory coaching, and implementing Kirkpatrick Levels 2–4 evaluation to improve learning transfer and organizational productivity.