Lesson 5

ON-JOB-TRAINING

Learning Objectives:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, you should be able to:

 Learn the nature of on-job-training;

 Appreciate the benefits of on-job-training.
 Identify and differentiate the types of on-job-training;

On-Job-Training
On-the-job training, also known as OJT, is a hands-on method of teaching the
skills, knowledge, and competencies needed for employees to perform a specific
job within the workplace. Employees learn in an environment where they will
need to practice the knowledge and skills obtained during their training.

On-the-job training uses the existing workplace tools, machines, documents,

equipment, and knowledge to teach an employee how to effectively do their job.
Consequently, no stand-ins exist that will require an employee to make the
training transfer to the workplace.

Training takes place within the employee's normal job environment and may
occur as he or she performs their actual work. Or it may happen elsewhere
within the workplace using dedicated training rooms, workstations, or
equipment.

What is on-the-job training?

On-the-job training is instruction for employees that takes place at work. OJT
typically involves a combination of observing others and hands-on experience
completing tasks under the supervision of a training manager, coworker or
outsourced professional trainer.

When undergoing OJT, you learn the processes and procedures your employer
uses. You may also learn how to operate any equipment, tools or machinery
required for your position. Part of OJT may include job shadowing or observing
an experienced employee perform certain job tasks.

The purpose of OJT is to prepare you for your position. The instruction and
hands-on practice you complete as part of the training can help you develop
the skills, competencies and knowledge you need to carry out your role at the
company or organization. When OJT is complete, you should be able to
perform most or all of the tasks for your position without supervision.

What is on-the-job training for students?

Students may not have any previous experience in a certain role or industry, so
their on-the-job training may be much more extensive. In some cases, students
complete OJT during their academic instruction at a technical high school,
college or university.

For example, some schools encourage or require students to complete

internships in which they receive hands-on experience in their desired career
path and earn school credits. Students may also complete extensive on-the-job
training in their first job after graduation.

In addition to learning practical procedures and skills for their role, students
may also learn general workplace standards in their first position. This
includes professional norms like dress code, company hierarchy, productivity
expectations, industry jargon and professional relationships with coworkers.

Types of on-the-job training

Companies can approach OJT in several ways. Some workplaces use a
structured approach, while others use an unstructured approach. In some
cases, OJT may be the only training method used, while others incorporate a
blended learning style for new hires.

Structured vs. unstructured OJT

With a structured OJT program, the employer has a plan for how a new
employee progresses through various training steps. This plan often includes a
checklist of tasks, details about who will supervise each task and a list of the
desired goals of the training. Some on-the-job training programs also include a
designated training supervisor or a contract the employee must sign to fulfill
their training.

Although structured on-the-job training programs take more time and effort to
set up, they are usually more effective at ensuring that you are properly
prepared for your new role. There is also more accountability on behalf of both
you and your trainers with a structured OJT plan.

Unstructured OJT typically involves shadowing an experienced employee on

the job for days or weeks. You might observe a single employee or several
different coworkers to learn the skills you need for the job.

The unstructured OJT method may be sufficient for jobs that do not require
many complex tasks or specialized skills. It does not require time for planning,
and you can easily customize the training based on your new role and your
existing skills and knowledge.

Standalone OJT vs. blended learning

In some workplaces, OJT through job shadowing and hands-on practice may
be sufficient preparation for the role. Companies often use the standalone
approach for roles that are not particularly complicated or if you already have
experience in your position.

Blended learning training combines OJT with other forms of instruction. For
example, a new employee might spend part of their training period shadowing
and getting hands-on experience in the workplace. They might spend the other
part of their training period going over written materials, watching videos,
attending an industry training event or participating in classroom instruction
or online courses.

By combining different training methods, blended learning can be very effective

for jobs that involve complicated tasks or specialized skills. It is also helpful for
companies that have very specific procedures and processes that employees
must know.

Benefits of on-the-job training

Effective OJT can provide comprehensive job preparation to new employees,

allowing them to succeed in their role and maintain a productive workplace.
Employees benefit from additional skills and knowledge as well as motivation
to do well. Companies then benefit from having engaged employees that are
invested in achieving goals.

OJT benefits for employees

Here are some of the most compelling benefits for OJT employees:

 Paid training

Companies can offer compensation for your time and work as you acquire the
necessary skills for your new position.

 Skill development
Many new employees often find worksite training to be more engaging, which
can increase their interest in learning. As a new employee in OJT, you may also
become invested in your new role as you develop new skills that challenge you.

 Improved retention

Employees are also more likely to retain the information they learn while in a
hands-on setting. OJT can contribute to improved job performance and
satisfaction since engaged training can make you more likely to feel confident
and competent at work.

 Team atmosphere

This type of training will put you in close contact with your peers and
supervisors right from the start. You will get to know your coworkers and get a
better sense of the work culture by working directly with the team.

OJT benefits for employers

Here are some of the most compelling OJT benefits for employers:

 Focused learning

OJT speeds up the learning process and reduces the likelihood of need
correction once you’re finished with your training. Instead of having employees
make assumptions about general practices and procedures in the industry, you
can communicate exact standards quickly.

 Cost-effective

Rather than attending expensive conferences or training sessions, employees

can learn on the job from coworkers and supervisors. Teaching also sharpens
current employees’ skills and turns their daily tasks into an opportunity to
prepare new hires to contribute in the workplace.
 Reduced employee turnover

Training on the job can help employees feel more confident in their skills.
When employees feel competent in the workplace, companies are less likely to
experience turnover due to someone quitting or not meeting performance
expectations.

On-the-job training tips

Keep the following tips in mind to get the most out of your on-the-job training:

 Take notes. 

Keep a notebook or laptop with you during your training so you can write
down important details. Your notes will be a useful reference when you
start working independently.

 Ask questions. 

Request clarification on any element of your job training that is unclear.

It may help to write down questions as you think of them, so you can get
answers at the end of a training session.

 Study on your own.

 Take time outside of work to learn more about your job tasks. For
example, you can research tips for writing office memos or watch an
online demo for a new type of software you will be using.
On-the-job training can help advance your career and make you a more skilled
employee. Search for jobs with paid OJT to get a great start on your next
career.