On The Job Training

Most employees, when asked about how they acquired a certain skill, would most likely attribute it to some sort of informal training. This is because, oftentimes, it’s easier to learn something when you can see it being performed and when given the opportunity to do it yourself after.

What is on the job training?

On the job training, or OJT, is a hands-on training that an individual receives in the workplace while simultaneously performing the actual duties that come with it.

Most of the time, an experienced coworker or a higher-up is tasked with training the employee and making sure that they’re equipped with all the knowledge and skills they need to know about the job. They’re also responsible for coaching, providing performance evaluations, and delivering feedback.

Going through this training is highly beneficial for an employee as it gives them working knowledge and helps them develop the skills that they need in preparation for the job.

What are the advantages of on the job training?

On the job training gives employees hands-on learning and a taste of the work atmosphere. Out of the many benefits of on the job training, a notable one to mention is that employees will be able to learn the ropes early on for situations that they’ll encounter on a regular basis. On the other hand, businesses are able to save both time and resources since creating and implementing an on the job training plan is quick and easy compared to traditional training methods.

On the job training methods

Here are different on the job training methods that you can apply:

• Instructor-led training – can occur in a classroom or online where an instructor presents the training material
• Hands-on training – more focused on the employee than the aspects of the job to help them successfully fit in
• Simulation training – usually used with virtual reality devices and is best for hazardous or risky jobs
• Role-playing – employees learn about the scope of their job through controlled scenarios

On the job training examples

Here are some on the job training examples you can use:

• Mentoring – a coworker mentors an individual or a small group of trainees to pass on knowledge and best practices.
• Apprenticeship – uses both theoretical training and actual on the job training to work on a certificate.
• Job Instruction –  step by step instructions are given, commonly used in manual skills or procedures.
• Job Rotation – an employee is moved to various roles from time to time for a more holistic learning experience.

Is on the job training the best training format?

As on the job training is usually done in a short period of time, there’s a high chance of information being forgotten or overwritten when the transfer of knowledge focuses on social learning. Due to this, we can say that on the job training isn’t that comprehensive enough to make up for a complete training program. However, when paired with microlearning, employees can get the most out of the information from their training. This is because information is delivered in bite-sized chunks and short bursts that are easy to digest, proven effective when it comes to comprehension and retention.

EdApp is the leading microlearning platform that provides a modern learning experience perfect for your on the job training needs. You’ll have access to a wide selection of editable courses with gamification elements that you can use for knowledge transfer and reinforcing concepts. There are free marketing courses, material handling courses, healthcare courses, cyber security courses, and many more. 

It also makes use of other features such as videos, quizzes, and surveys to keep your learners engaged. It works seamlessly in combination with your favorite video conferencing platforms to give the closest simulation to in-person interaction anytime and anywhere.