Training & Personal Development at Cochlear

We are trained in understanding the journey a recipient goes through, the types of hearing loss that someone can have and how our devices work. This gives us important insight into the work we do. We're also given on the job training into the different departments that we rotate into. Some departments will help train us up into various skillsets as well or assign us training courses to complete.

Formal training for each department is very different. Some departments (mostly the technical side such as firmware/software) have specific documentation to onboard new staff. Whereas other departments may leave you to figure things out on your own. You are never without help of course, but you won't have a manual for how to get started. For a lot of supporting tasks such as needing specific equipment or access to a lab for your work, you will need to reach out to the owner/supervisor for that equipment or area to train you on it before you can use it. Which typically works out well and good.

Informal training is excellent, the time and patience senior employees have to explain things is great. Formal training has been lacking so far, almost no opportunities as a grad.

Online modules and in-person upskilling sessions when you start, and then further online modules and optional sessions as needed. Most technical training happens on the job, with the exception of using certain equipment and lab spaces which need formal inductions.

The 1 year graduate program is very encouraging with leaning new skills, and you are pushed to try new things. There is good access to other optional trainings too.

Cochlear academy has some great programs, e.g. touring manufacturing or interesting lectures. A lot of training involves reading documents and then signing off on them - it's not engaging or a good way to learn, if my training consists of having to read a 10 page document, it is unlikely I will retain most of the information. The on the job training is of high quality, senior staff are always happy to spend time helping graduates.

Each rotation has provided the opportunity to gain a wide range of technical skills and an understanding of how R&d work together and the PIP cycle.

Get Equipped is a great program

This internship didn't include any formal training although I've hears that all full time employees and new grads receive a thorough training. Cochlear academy is required for onboarding and also is built on top of LinkedIn learning.

Good training, but a lot of it - dry at times.

On the job training is good, but there is no meaningful formal training and employees are not supported to upskill

Informal learning opportunities from teams are great as everyone is very supportive. Initial general training for all employees is also very interesting. However, specific role onboarding could be improved.

During the graduate program I have rotated through different teams so have learnt how to use different softwares etc. E.g. CAD (Creo), Power BI, Excel, I have also learnt how to use different equipment for testing.

On the job training is great in the graduate program but there is no structured development (which would be helpful for CPD)