Final answer:
A maintenance plan is essential in a training program to ensure the continued effectiveness of the training and to prevent loss of gained skills or performance improvements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Retention of training gains is where a training program must include a specific maintenance plan to ensure that the gains from training are not lost. A well-designed maintenance plan is critical for long-term success in any training initiative. Once individuals have developed new skills or improved their performance, maintaining these gains requires continued practice and reinforcement. Without a maintenance plan, there's a risk that individuals will revert to their baseline, losing the benefits of their training. In essence, for the impacts of training to be sustained over time, participants must continue to engage in activities that support the ongoing use of their new abilities and knowledge.