On-the-job training (OJT) is a method of teaching employees how to perform their job duties through hands-on experience in the actual work environment. It involves learning new skills and applying them directly in the workplace under the guidance of experienced workers or supervisors.
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On-the-job training is often more cost-effective for employers than formal classroom training, as it utilizes existing resources and personnel.
OJT allows new employees to learn job-specific skills and procedures in the actual work environment, which can lead to faster skill acquisition and better job performance.
Effective on-the-job training programs typically involve a structured approach, with clear learning objectives, regular feedback, and opportunities for practice and application.
OJT can be particularly beneficial for roles that require specialized, technical, or company-specific knowledge that is difficult to teach in a classroom setting.
The success of on-the-job training often depends on the quality of the instruction and guidance provided by experienced workers or supervisors, as well as the learner's motivation and willingness to engage in the process.
Review Questions
Explain the key benefits of on-the-job training for both employers and employees.
On-the-job training (OJT) offers several benefits for both employers and employees. For employers, OJT is often more cost-effective than formal classroom training, as it utilizes existing resources and personnel. Additionally, OJT allows new employees to learn job-specific skills and procedures in the actual work environment, leading to faster skill acquisition and better job performance. For employees, OJT provides hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply new skills directly in the workplace, which can lead to increased confidence, job satisfaction, and career development.
Describe the role of experienced workers or supervisors in effective on-the-job training programs.
Experienced workers or supervisors play a crucial role in the success of on-the-job training programs. They are responsible for providing clear instruction, regular feedback, and opportunities for practice and application to new employees. Effective OJT programs typically involve a structured approach, with experienced workers or supervisors serving as mentors and guiding the learning process. The quality of the instruction and guidance provided by these experienced individuals is a key factor in determining the effectiveness of the OJT program and the learner's ability to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.
Analyze the suitability of on-the-job training for different types of job roles and industries.
On-the-job training (OJT) can be particularly suitable for job roles that require specialized, technical, or company-specific knowledge that is difficult to teach in a classroom setting. For example, roles in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, or information technology may benefit more from OJT, as it allows new employees to learn the specific procedures, equipment, and software used in the workplace. In contrast, more general or theoretical roles may be better suited for formal classroom training, as OJT may not provide the necessary breadth of knowledge. The suitability of OJT ultimately depends on the specific job requirements, the complexity of the tasks involved, and the learning needs of the employees.
Related terms
Apprenticeship: A system of training a new generation of practitioners of a skill, trade, or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying formal instruction.
Job Shadowing: A period of time where a new or potential employee observes and accompanies an experienced employee to learn about a particular job or career.
A relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide and support the development of a less experienced or less knowledgeable person.