10 Examples of training manuals for every team

Companies rely on a variety of tools and strategies to stay on top of their game. And one such tool has always been regarded as a must-need – the training manual.

A well-structured training manual serves as a valuable tool for companies of all sizes. It helps everyone in your team know how to do their job the right way. It keeps things consistent and  organized, making sure that they all follow the same procedures and protocols set by your organization. This reduces confusion and helps your team to work better.

Additionally, a training manual serves as a reference guide that can be accessed whenever someone needs a refresher on a product or service, or how certain tasks are performed. This is useful for both new hires and experienced staff.

In this article, we’ll discuss training manuals - what they are and why they’re important for companies. We’ll also learn more about the different types you should be familiar with, and we'll also check out some examples of training manuals that you can use right away. 

What is a training manual?

A training manual is a comprehensive document that gives step-by-step instructions on how to perform specific tasks or processes within an organization. It serves as a guidebook that shows employees the right way to carry out their jobs.  

These resources can cover a wide range of topics, such as job responsibilities, operational procedures, safety protocols, customer service guidelines, and more.

Training manuals are typically used to train and onboard new hires, although they also serve as a refresher document for existing employees. The purpose of a training manual is to make sure everyone knows what to do and does it in the same way. This helps the company run smoothly and allows employees to perform their roles effectively. 

Creating training manuals has never been easier or more exciting than with SC Training (formerly EdApp). Take your learning materials to the next level – join us today to get started!

Uncovering the different types of training manuals

There are several different types of training manuals that companies may use based on their specific needs and goals. Some of the most common types are:

• Orientation manuals - They’re used for onboarding new employees and introducing them to the company's culture, policies, and procedures
• Job-specific manuals - They focus on the specific tasks and responsibilities of a particular job role.
• Technical manuals - They’re used to train employees on technical skills, such as operating machinery, using software programs, or performing technical procedures.
• Safety manuals - They outline safety protocols, emergency procedures, and guidelines to minimize risks and guarantee a safe working environment.
• Customer service manuals - These manuals aim to guide customer-facing employees and teach them the best practices for delivering excellent customer service. 
• Sales and marketing manuals - They serve as a guide for sales and marketing representatives, teaching them strategies, product knowledge, sales scripts, and tips for building customer relationships.
• Compliance and policy manuals - These manuals outline information on legal and regulatory requirements that employees need to follow.

10 Examples of a training manual that you can download for free

Below, we'll check out some great examples of training manuals that are both editable and free for up to 10 users. You can use them as they are, or treat them as training manual templates. Customize them to suit your specific training needs, or rebrand them for a more personalized learning experience. 

The best part is, these manuals are accessible through mobile devices. And spoiler alert: they’re designed using one of the best training portals available today – SC Training (formerly EdApp). These manuals come with interactive lessons and game-based quizzes, making sure that your staff will be engaged throughout their training.

1. New Hire Safety Orientation (Safety Training Manual for High-Risk Industries)

SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s New Hire Safety Orientation is a helpful guide that makes it easier to introduce new hires to safety programs. It’s the best training manual example for companies that prioritize workplace safety, like the construction, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. 

This training manual focuses on keeping the workplace safe by explaining safety rules, what to do in emergencies, and how to prevent accidents. It will teach your workers how to handle emergency situations and read labels on hazardous materials. 

The manual also covers using the right protective gear, securing energy sources, and lifting heavy objects safely without the risk of injury. 

2. Safe Use of Machinery (Machinery Use Training Manual)

If you have a workforce that works with heavy machinery, then you should check out SC Training (formerly EdApp)'s Safe Use of Machinery training manual. The main purpose of this manual is to show new and existing workers the correct procedures and protocols when working with specific types of machinery. 

This instructional manual example is divided into two parts, focusing on the safe use of lathe machines and drill presses. It consists of clear, step-by-step instructions on how to operate these machines without compromising safety. 

Your workers will also learn about the importance of using the right protective gear, essential safety practices to follow before starting their work, and the proper techniques for operating different machines.

3. Onboarding Retail (Retail Training Manual) 

Onboarding new hires in the retail industry is a critical process that sets the foundation for their success and integration into the organization. Bring your new hires up to speed with their roles using SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s retail training manual - Onboarding Retail. This training manual will not only help them become productive quickly but also allow them to showcase and boost their current skill set. 

This retail online training manual has lessons on company values and store procedures, which can be customized to fit the specific values and needs of your store.  The second half of the training focuses on equipping your staff with essential selling strategies, such as cross-selling and suggestive selling to improve their sales performance. 

4. The Language of Sales (Sales Training Manual)

Handling a team of seasoned sales professionals looking to sharpen their skills? Or training newcomers hoping to make a splash in the field? The Language of Sales by SC Training (formerly EdApp) will equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in their sales role. 

This example of training manual will show your salesforce the ropes of building relationships with their potential buyers and cultivating trust. It will teach them how to develop convincing arguments that address the needs and pain points of customers, ultimately leading to successful sales outcomes. 

Your sales reps will also learn how to navigate tough situations and respond to them with a positive attitude. 

5. Call Center Customer Service (Call Center Training Manual)

SC Training (formerly EdApp)'s Call Center Customer Service is an essential training manual for call center agents who communicate with customers over the telephone. The manual consists of five lessons that cover important call center skills and techniques, including call preparation, phone etiquette, and handling difficult customers. 

By mastering these skills, call center agents can cultivate positive and trusting relationships with their customers, leading to improved customer satisfaction.

This training manual even goes beyond the basics by addressing key aspects of call center customer service success. It emphasizes the importance of active listening, problem-solving, and empathy, all of which can contribute to the overall success of your business.

6. Evacuation Plan (Emergency Evacuation Training Manual)

A well-designed emergency evacuation training manual can help you make sure that your team’s prepared to take the necessary steps and follow procedures in case of an emergency. Save time and effort in creating an emergency evacuation training manual with SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s evacuation training manual template – Evacuation Plan. 

This training manual discusses various situations that may require an evacuation, like hurricanes, tornadoes, fire, and more. It also stresses the significance of having well-defined routes and floor plans and outlines the roles and responsibilities of your employees during an emergency. 

The manual has already covered the foundation of your evacuation training manual, and all you need to do is customize it with your own company's evacuation plan and the floor plan of your building. Once customized, you can easily share it with your team for their reference. 

7. HIPAA Compliance Training (HIPAA Training Manual)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA is of utmost importance in the healthcare industry. To make sure your staff understands the importance of HIPAA compliance and its relation to patient safety and privacy, SC Training (formerly EdApp) offers a training manual specifically focused on HIPAA compliance - the HIPAA Compliance Training.

The training manual consists of 15 modules, covering various topics related to HIPAA compliance. These modules include an introduction to HIPAA compliance and its significance in protecting sensitive patient information. Your team will also learn about the specific rules regarding privacy, security, and breaches, and the best practices to follow to comply with these rules. 

This example of a training manual is an excellent resource not only for your newly hired staff members but also for existing staff who wish to refresh their understanding of HIPAA law.

8. Food Safety Hazards (Food Safety Training Manual)

SC Training (formerly EdApp)'s Food Safety Hazards is an excellent training material for industries involved in handling food products, like restaurants and food manufacturing plants. 

This manual goes over safe food handling practices, from food preparation before cooking to handling food after cooking. By following the guidelines outlined in this training manual, your workers will be equipped with preventive measures to effectively control various food safety hazards, including allergenic, physical, biological, and chemical hazards.

It's important to know that this training manual isn’t exactly editable. This is because it has been approved by the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), which means it meets strict guidelines for food safety. But on a positive note, this also means that you can trust the quality and credibility of this training manual.

9. Getting to Know Your Restaurant’s FOH and BOH (Restaurant Training Manual) 

If you're bringing new crew members onboard in the quick service restaurant industry, SC Training (formerly EdApp)'s Getting to Know Your Restaurant's FOH and BOH is the perfect training manual for you.

This restaurant training manual is designed to familiarize your newly hired workers with the front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) roles, their significance, and what is expected of them in a restaurant setting. It will also show them how these two roles work together to create a great dining experience for customers. 

Having a clear understanding of FOH and BOH will allow your team members to better communicate with other crews, work effectively as a team, and develop a comprehensive understanding of how the restaurant functions as a whole.

10. Creating a Positive Customer Experience (Customer Service Training Manual)

Creating a positive customer experience is highly crucial in any retail business. It helps you maintain your customer base, and expand your reach through word-of-mouth recommendations. If you're looking to improve your retail staff's customer service skills, then SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s training manual on Creating a Positive Customer Experience is your ultimate solution. 

This manual teaches important skills for customer service, like effective ways to interact and impress customers, and strategies for engaging with them. By completing this training, your staff will be well-prepared with excellent customer service skills. They’ll be able to create a positive experience for customers, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.

This training is CPD-certified, which means it meets high standards for continuous professional development (CPD). Your staff will gain valuable knowledge and skills that are recognized and widely respected in the industry. It’s also editable, so you can add specific tips and strategies that are tailored to your team.

What should be included in a training manual?

While the specific content of a training manual will depend on the nature of the training and the target audience, here are some general elements that should be included:

• Introduction - Start by explaining what the training is about and who it is for. Tell the learners why understanding the training manual is important.
• Learning goals - Clearly state what the trainees should be able to do after reading the training manual. Give them an idea of how this training will help them perform their tasks better. 
• Content - Present the core content of the training manual in a logical and organized manner. Break down the training material into smaller sections. Use headings, bullet points, and examples to make it easier to understand.
• Step-by-step instructions - If there are practical tasks or procedures involved, give clear instructions with images or diagrams. Make sure the instructions are easy to follow.
• Quizzes and activities - Include interactive exercises or activities to help the trainees practice what they have learned. For online training manuals, adding quizzes between your lessons will help your team better retain the information from your training manual. 
• Tips and best practices - Share helpful tips and techniques related to the training topic. These can come from experts or real-life experiences.

Key takeaway

Training manuals are invaluable tools for organizations looking to educate and empower their employees. They offer clear guidance, tips and recommendations, and step-by-step instructions to help your new and experienced staff perform their tasks efficiently and effectively. 

This article has listed examples of training manuals by SC Training (formerly EdApp) that you can use right away with your team or as a starting point to create your own manual. They’re mostly editable, and you only need to sign up with the platform to start using these manuals.

Say goodbye to dull and ineffective training manuals! With SC Training (formerly EdApp), you can create training materials that make a true impact!