On-the-job training: Benefits, types, and importance
If you're a recent graduate or someone looking to develop new skills and advance your career, read on. Learning on the job is not only possible but also a programme that many companies have offered for years. On-the-job training, or OJT, is something you should consider. It will give you insight into the corporate world and help you develop practical skills that you can use in any industry.
On-the-job training (OJT) is one way to make learning on the job an essential part of your career journey. It's a vital component of your development as an employee. The training process will help you achieve your career goals through the skills you learn and the relationships you build. OJT also enables organisations to fill skill gaps, increase productivity and reduce external training costs.
During an OJT, you'll get hands-on training from seasoned colleagues, senior employees, and trainers. As a trainee, you'll receive job-specific skills, procedures, and techniques you'll need to work effectively.
Also read: How To Get A Job With No Experience
- The benefits of on-the-job training for employees
- Types of on-the-job training
- How new employees can benefit from on the job training
- Characteristics of effective OJT
- Common challenges with on-the-job training
- How to maximise the benefits of on-the-job training
- The role of managers and trainers in on-the-job training
- The future of learning on the job
- Conclusion
- FAQs
The benefits of on-the-job training for employees
Aside from reducing training costs, on-the-job training can benefit you in three ways:
Job satisfaction
During an OJT, you'll get as much hands-on training as possible. In a positive work environment, your fulfilment in the workplace will increase. Since you are taking part in active training, you will be more confident in applying your skills. Your competence will increase, enabling you to feel like you contribute to your company's success and become a more experienced employee.
New skills
An OJT will expose you to an environment that's very different from what you're used to. During the training period, you will understand workplace culture and its impact on your productivity. You'll learn new skills like networking and collaboration. This will help you become a better colleague.
Career advancement
Your OJT will allow you to develop industry-specific skills. Your competencies will improve, putting you on the fast track to professional development.
Increases productivity
By providing employees with hands-on experience, on-the-job training can give them the skills needed to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and increase overall output.
Cost-effective form of training
It doesn't require any external resources, and employees can learn while doing their regular work. This training method also eliminates the need for expensive training materials and overhead costs associated with off-site training programmes.
Increases employee retention
Employees are more likely to feel invested in their job and committed to their employers. It can also provide opportunities for career growth, which further motivates employees to stay with the company.
Types of on-the-job training
There are several types of on-the-job training that can help you procure new skills and improve your performance. Some common types of on-the-job training include:
Coaching and mentoring: In this type, a new employee is paired up with a more seasoned one. The latter will give guidance and feedback and follow through on the trainee's progress.
Job shadowing: Here, the trainee observes a more senior employee as they perform their regular duties. Their interaction may not be in real-time and is more structured in giving pointers.
Cross-training: This involves training employees to perform tasks outside their regular duties. As a result, employees become more versatile and flexible and have a bigger view of the organisation's operations.
Apprenticeships: An apprenticeship combines classroom learning and on-the-job training. It prepares trainees for employment in skilled trades by giving them hands-on experience with industry specialists.
Role-playing: Another type of on-the-job training that involves simulated environments. Employees get the opportunity to apply what they've learned and get immediate feedback from existing employees if they've used their knowledge well.
How new employees can benefit from on the job training
The onboarding process
Starting a new job can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. That's where the onboarding process comes in to get new employees integrated into the company and its culture.
Onboarding ensures employees feel welcome and ready to contribute to the organisation's success. It helps new employees acclimatise to the company's values. It also sets the foundation for their success and engagement.
As per the Harvard Business Review, poor onboarding leads to less engagement. It also makes them more likely to jump ship. Onboarding can increase employee retention among recruits by 50% and productivity by 62%.
Now, let's talk about the steps in the onboarding process:
Pre-boarding
This involves setting up a new employee's work area. including equipment, supplies, access to company systems, and other necessary resources.
Orientation
An orientation includes an introduction to the company's culture, values, and mission. An overview of company policies, protocols, and procedures is also given.
Training
During this part, the employee receives specific job training. This includes learning about the company's products, services, and customers.
Socialisation
This step involves helping the new employee become part of the team. It allows them to get to know their colleagues.
During onboarding, you'll receive a lot of information about the company and your job. Socialisation can be overwhelming, but remember that paying attention and asking questions is crucial.
Clarify expectations, learn about the company culture, and understand your role. Here are some ways that on-the-job training onboarding can be effective.
Pre-onboarding preparations
Check if you have all the materials for the onboarding process. Some companies will provide on-the-job trainees with identification badges. You may also have an onboarding kit with materials for taking down notes.
Delivery
Ideally, employers will give you the information in manageable chunks to avoid information overload. There may be a lot of information to process, so ask questions if you need clarification.
Socialisation
Onboarding is about learning the job and becoming part of the team, so use this time to get to know people and interact with them.
Onboarding is a critical step in the success of your on-the-job learning at the company. Use the time well to familiarise yourself with the organisation and its people.
Characteristics of effective OJT
Effective on-the-job training has several key characteristics that will make it successful, such as:
Clear learning objectives: This will allow employees to know what they need to learn.
Active employee participation: Hands-on learning and interaction with trainers and other employees.
Regular feedback and evaluation: Ensures trainees are progressing and developing new skills.
Practical and relevant training: Effective OJT should provide training that employees can apply.
Common challenges with on-the-job training
While on-the-job training is a great learning opportunity, there may be some challenges:
Time constraints: On-the-job training can be time-consuming for both employers and employees.
Lack of resources: Resources like trainers may need more time to engage with trainees. Some equipment or materials may take time to obtain.
Knowledge transfer: Transferring knowledge and skills to less experienced employees can present challenges.
Inadequate communication: Clear communication is essential for effective on-the-job training, but ensuring that everyone is on the same page can be challenging.
How to maximise the benefits of on-the-job training
To maximise the benefits of on-the-job training, employees can:
Develop a growth mindset: Be open to learning and growing to make the most of the experience.
Communicate effectively with trainers: This helps bridge the gap between trainers and trainees. It enables both parties to understand each other's needs and expectations.
Ask questions and seek feedback: This will ensure that you are learning and growing.
Take ownership of your learning: Be proactive and take the initiative to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
The role of managers and trainers in on-the-job training
Effective on-the-job training requires active participation from employees as well as support from superiors. Managers and trainers are crucial to creating a positive learning environment. They can identify employee strengths and weaknesses and provide constructive feedback.
Creating a positive learning environment
A positive learning environment fosters trust and openness. As a result, employees will feel comfortable asking questions and seeking feedback. Collaboration and teamwork are also encouraged. This helps employees learn from each other and share best practises.
Identifying employee strengths and weaknesses
Managers and trainers should work closely with employees to identify their strengths and weaknesses and tailor the training to meet their individual needs. They should also provide regular feedback to help employees track their progress and adjust their approach.
The presence of constructive feedback
This is essential for on-the-job training. Feedback will highlight areas where they are doing well and where they need to improve. They should also offer support to help employees overcome obstacles or challenges.
Encouraging continued learning and development
This promotes growth after the training. Workshops, mentorships, and stretch assignments allow for continued learning and development.
The future of learning on the job
With the rise of digital and remote training, along with the increasing use of augmented and virtual reality, on-the-job training is set to become even more personalised and tailored to individual employees' needs.
Digital and remote on-the-job training: Such forms of training have become more popular in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital training offers many benefits, including flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Augmented and virtual reality in training: These technologies offer a more immersive and engaging learning experience, allowing employees to practise new skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Also read: How to Prepare for the Future of Work
Conclusion
On-the-job training (OJT) is essential for employee development and organisational success. Employees can acquire new skills through OJT, improve their job performance, and advance in their careers. In turn, companies benefit from reduced training costs, increased productivity, and a more skilled workforce.
If you have plans to do an OJT, create or update your JobStreet profile and begin your dream career journey.
FAQs
- What is on-the-job training?
On-the-job training (OJT) equips employees with the skills and knowledge they need to perform their tasks effectively. This type of training is usually provided by a manager or trainer within the workplace.
- What are the benefits of on-the-job training for employees?
On-the-job training allows employees to learn new skills, improve their job performance, and advance in their careers. Through it, employees feel more valued and supported by their employers, increasing their job satisfaction and motivation.
- What are the different types of on-the-job training?
Coaching and mentoring, job shadowing, cross-training, apprenticeships, simulations, and role-playing.
- What is the onboarding process?
This is the process of integrating new employees into a company or organisation. It includes training and orientation and is designed to help new employees become familiar with their new workplace, colleagues, and job responsibilities.
- What are the characteristics of effective on-the-job training?
Clear learning objectives, active employee participation, regular feedback and evaluation. It should be practical and relevant to the employee's tasks.
- What are some common challenges with on-the-job training?
Time constraints, a lack of resources, difficulty transferring knowledge, and inadequate communication.
- How can employees maximise the benefits of on-the-job training?
Developing a growth mindset, communicating effectively with trainers, asking questions and seeking feedback. They should also take ownership of their learning.
- What is the role of managers and trainers in on-the-job training?
They are responsible for creating a positive learning environment during on-the-job training. They will identify employees' strengths and weaknesses and provide constructive feedback. They should also encourage continued learning and development.
- How is on-the-job training evolving in the future?
The rapid advances in digital technology will impact how on-the-job training evolves. We can also expect to see a rise in the use of augmented and virtual reality.
