On The Job Training | Meaning and Definition

What is On the job training? 

On-the-job training (OJT) is the practice of providing employees with practical teaching as they participate in hands-on learning in the workplace. People may participate in on-the-job training by observing more experienced co-workers, doing responsibilities under the supervision of a designated employee, or participating in a business learning and development program. Every profession, in a sense, needs some type of on-the-job training. On-the-job training, on the other hand, is most common in positions that demand hands-on work, the use of power equipment and machinery, or employees learning to utilize a new system or tech tool. 

Importance Of On The Job Training

On-the-job training is a cost-effective approach to boosting productivity and boosting self-esteem. Employees are more likely to feel motivated and desire to stay at their work if they are given the tools to help them achieve. Furthermore, identifying a suitable applicant, especially in a high-turnover environment, might be difficult. HR experts may enhance performance by supporting on-the-job training in the form of upskilling. As a result, this training may aid in the development of a broader talent pool, allowing HR professionals to fill open jobs with qualified individuals.

Implementation Of On The Job Training

  •    Assess the talents that individuals may be missing. This research can assist HR directors in determining who requires more training in order to improve their performance. Analyzing the skills gap can also assist HR directors in improving succession planning for unfilled roles.
  •   People with great potential and important attributes such as emotional intelligence, resilience, or a strong work ethic should be noted.

On The Job Training Best Practices

There are some tips that will help employers to organize on the job training practices:

1. Identify potential trainers

It is necessary to find the potential trainers who will take on the job training. These trainers should be well versed with the company and should possess good knowledge.

Some trainers opt trainers from outside the company if they don’t have potential resources in the company. 

2. Structure the whole training process

Efficient training starts with a well structured plan. Create a list of topic to be taught in the whole training process. This helps to carry out the training process in an effective manner. 

3. Allow trainees to practice the skills taught

Sufficient time should be provided to the trainees so that they can practice those skills which are taught during on the job training otherwise they will forget everything with the time.

4. Get feedback and improve if required

After training of the employees ask for the feedback from both the employee and the employer. This will help to make changes and improvement in training process if required and the feedback provided by the trainers will help the employees to make improvements.

On the Job Training Methods

Here are the best training methods:

1. Job Rotation

This type of training involves movement of one trainee from one job to another. This is the most common training method.

2. Coaching

The trainee is assigned a coach who guide him and provide the necessary training. Overall a coach helps the trainee to learn and acquire skills.

3. Apprenticeship

It is a formal method of training curriculum program that combines classroom teaching under closed supervision.

4. Internship

Internship is one of the training method particularly in skilled traders such as electrician, technician etc where instruction is provided in theoretical and practical manner.

See Zimyo in Action