Here's how you can identify the industries that prioritize functional training skills in their employees.

1. Research job descriptions: Look for positions that explicitly mention functional training or related skills in their requirements. 2. Explore fitness and wellness sectors: Focus on industries such as gyms, fitness centers, rehabilitation clinics, and corporate wellness programs. 3. Investigate healthcare and sports industries: Consider roles in physical therapy, sports coaching, and athletic training where functional fitness is crucial. 4. Look into hospitality and tourism: Some resorts, spas, and wellness retreats value functional training skills for guest fitness programs. 5. Check corporate wellness programs: Many companies offer employee wellness initiatives that include functional training to promote health and productivity.

In addition to specific skills, look for job listings that emphasize continuous learning and professional development, which are hallmarks of functional training environments. These roles often require candidates to engage in ongoing skill enhancement workshops, mentorship programs, or industry certifications. Highlight your ability to collaborate across disciplines, as functional training promotes teamwork and communication. Seek opportunities where employers value innovation, encouraging employees to contribute new ideas and methods to improve operational efficiency. For instance, roles in technology sectors often require proficiency in agile methodologies, reflecting a commitment to adaptive and iterative approaches in problem-solving.

To gauge a company's commitment to functional training, examine if they provide mentorship and coaching programs that foster hands-on learning and skill application. Look for initiatives that encourage employees to rotate across different roles or departments, enhancing their versatility and problem-solving abilities. For example, a tech company might offer coding boot camps or hackathons to keep their team's skills sharp and relevant. Additionally, assess whether the company uses performance evaluations focused on real-world impact rather than just theoretical knowledge, indicating a focus on practical, functional training. Companies like Amazon and Google often emphasize such multi-dimensional growth and learning pathways.

In addition to staying updated on industry trends, consider joining professional associations or networks relevant to your field.These platforms often provide access to specialized training resources and forums where practical skills are discussed and developed. Examine job roles that involve project-based or experiential learning, such as internships and apprenticeships, which reflect a commitment to functional training.For instance,consulting firms frequently use case studies and real client projects to train employees, emphasizing practical problem-solving. Similarly,industries like healthcare and engineering often prioritize simulation-based training, preparing employees for real-world challenges through immersive, hands-on experiences.

I strongly agree. Particularly the online space , there is such a broader range of opportunity with training and up skilling. My education is based online the only coarse now I must attend in person is CPR/first aid. My main role in the fitness industry now is online - purely. Virtual training is becoming very popular , private , reliable. I have more to to with fitness leaders now then what I ever have instead of a radius locally it’s branched worldwide that’s where functionally web sense is game changing. An industry trend that won’t be fading anytime soon. If anything this could become a larger more advanced platform

To further assess an industry’s commitment to functional training, explore the extent of partnership or collaboration with educational institutions. Companies that frequently collaborate with universities or offer sponsorship for advanced degrees typically invest heavily in practical skill development. For example, many tech firms partner with colleges to offer co-op programs or specialized courses aligning with industry needs. Additionally, check if companies support professional certifications and industry-recognized credentials, as these programs often emphasize practical, job-related skills. Industries like finance and cybersecurity, for instance, value certifications like CFA and CISSP, reflecting their focus on applied expertise.

To assess an industry’s focus on functional training, investigate whether leading companies frequently engage in industry-wide initiatives or coalitions aimed at workforce development. For instance, the automotive industry often participates in consortia like the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), promoting standards and training programs across the sector. Additionally, look into whether top companies are recognized with awards or certifications for their employee development efforts, such as those from the Training Top 125 or Great Place to Work. These accolades indicate a commitment to high-quality, practical training.