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On-the-job training
Published on: Monday, August 19, 2024
By: K Krishnan
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Example 1:
Not long ago, there was a shortage of teachers. The government realised that it would take some time to train teachers.
So the government recruited fresh school leavers and graduates and employed them as trainee teachers.
The trainees had no background in teaching.
They only had a basic education. Through OTJ training, they had to teach in schools on weekdays. They had to attend teacher training courses on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The teacher training program usually lasted two – three years. At the end of the training period, the trainee teachers became qualified teachers. This is an example of OTJ training.From time to time, many other industries will face a labour shortage. Industries cannot fully function without the labour force.
So, they recruit fresh school-leavers and graduates and provide them with OTJ training.
Look out for announcements in the media for such openings.
Once you complete your OTJ training, you can pursue your degree programme if you wish.
Example 2
Those who are interested in becoming cooks or chefs have an OTJ option too. They can look for an experienced cook or chef in hotels or restaurants.
They work as an assistant until they learn the trade. Soon they too will start as cooks or chefs through OTJ training.
What does OTJ training include?
On-the-job training (OTJ) is when you learn by doing tasks at your workplace instead of in a classroom. It’s like learning while you work.
OTJ helps you gain real-life skills that are important for your job.
There are different types of OTJ, like shadowing someone or getting hands-on experience.
Shadowing is learning under an experienced master a special skill or knowledge.
What are the objectives of OTJ?
On-the-job training allows employees to gain experience working in situations very similar to those they’ll encounter on a daily basis.
Employees will use the same tools and equipment they need for their job while being guided by an experienced trainer.
What are the disadvantages of on-the-job training?
1. In OTJ training, you depend on the trainer. Your training is dependent on the quality of the trainer.
If the trainer is proficient, he can produce many good trainees. If he is not, the trainees will pay the price.
2. In OTJ training, there may be a lack of theory. Students may not have lectures or enough contact hours in the classroom.
They may not have time to research or explore the theoretical knowledge.
3. Sometimes trainees can pick up bad habits during their training.
This may be a drawback in their future career.
4. Employers who conduct OTJ training may face disruptions to their own productivity.
5. Some OTJ training can be inconsistent. The training provider may not have the time or resources to do so all the time.
What are the five types of on-the-job training?
There are five main types of on-the-job training strategies that are used by companies.
1. Coaching.
Coaching is a type of on-the-job training that involves a supervisor or an experienced employee to train a new employee on how to do their job.
2. Job rotation.
The trainee is exposed to the various tasks so that he has all-round knowledge in the field.
3. Job instruction and training.
The trainee is given verbal or written information.
4. Job shadowing.
Trainees learn under a skilled master during the training period.
5. Apprenticeship.
This is a conventional approach where the trainees spend a period of time and learn the skills both in the classroom and on-the-job.
Career Information
It is always good to explore the various ways to gain knowledge and training. Some are formal, while others are OTJ training.
You have the choice to choose the best route, depending on the career you have chosen.
