On-the-job training

On-the-job training (often abbreviated OJT) is a form of training taking place in a normal working situation.

Overview

On-the-job training, sometimes called direct instruction, is one of the earliest forms of training (observational learning is probably the earliest,). It is a one-on-one training located at the job site, where someone who knows how to do a task shows another how to perform it. In antiquity, the kind of work that people did was mainly unskilled or semi-skilled work that did not require specialized knowledge. Parents or other community members, who knew how to do a job necessary for survival, passed their knowledge on to the children through direct instruction.

Types of On-the-job training

There are several types of On-the-job training:

• Coaching/Mentoring: The trainee is assigned to a senior experienced manager or a designated coach who provides the trainee with feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Job Rotation: The trainee is given several jobs in succession, to gain experience of a wide range of activities.
• Job Instruction Technique (JIT): This method is also known as training through step by step. The trainer explains the trainee the way of doing the jobs, job knowledge and allows him to do the job. The trainer appraises the performance of the trainee, provides feedback and offers some suggestions for improvement.

Benefits of On-the-job training

There are several benefits of On-the-job training:

• Cost effective: It is a cost-effective method because it uses existing personnel and equipment.
• Relevant: The training is job-specific; the work learned directly applies to the job that the employee is expected to perform.
• Motivation: It can be motivating to the trainee because it is performed on the job.

Limitations of On-the-job training

There are several limitations of On-the-job training:

• Quality: The success of the OJT largely depends upon the quality of the trainer.
• Time consuming: It can be time-consuming for the trainer.
• Not suitable for all jobs: Some jobs or tasks may be so complex that they require off-the-job training.

See also

• Apprenticeship
• Internship
• Vocational education
• Vocational school

On-the-job training Resources
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