Employee training and development is a crucial part of a company’s success because the organization depends on the productivity of its workforce. Many new employees typically have weaknesses and gaps in their skill set specific to their new role and require training to get up to speed.
Additionally, employees transitioning to a new position may seek development opportunities that include on-the-job skill training to upskill, reskill or get practical experience in their role.
Most human resources departments provide training and development programs that are a mixture of formal and informal training. Formal training includes academic learning from books, instructors, and online training. But informal training allows for real-world applications and hands-on experience of individual employees.
Discover how on-the-job training (OJT) provides the knowledge and skills you need for better work performance and the scenarios where you may have OJT.
Why is On-the-Job Training Important?
Formal training programs are necessary for staff to learn industry-specific terms and earn certifications. But there are plenty of hard and soft skills that you’ll develop with OJT that you can’t learn in a classroom.
On-the-job training occurs in a normal work environment rather than a classroom or virtual setting. It allows you to improve your skills and job knowledge while reinforcing confidence in your abilities. During OJT, you use the tools and are exposed to situations you’ll deal with daily in your position while under the supervision and instruction of other staff members.
Tailored to You and Your Role
While you may have the same job title as someone at another organization, the specific details of your position and the type of training can differ. OTJ training supports you in your new role because it is tailored to you and the company you work for, making you a valuable member of your work team.
OTJ also meets your needs to learn how to do something right when you encounter it, so you are more motivated to learn and retain the skill.
Inspires New Hires
Having a positive onboarding experience sets the tone for your long-term productivity.
There’s usually a grace period when starting a new job where you learn your responsibilities and the job expectations. OJT focuses on integrating you into your everyday work environment.
Onsite training allows you to learn through experience and trial and error. A mentor demonstrates the proper procedures for using tools and equipment relevant to your position. Then you get the opportunity to repeat the process, reinforcing the behavior.
On-the-job training is critical for improving employee performance. By performing real-world applications of the skills needed for the role, instructors have the opportunity to critique your performance. By learning from the feedback of your mentor, you can improve the quality of your work.
Upskill and Reskill for Career Advancement
On-the-job training builds the foundation for improving your work skills. Whether you’re learning new techniques or brushing up on your skills, OJT can make you better at your job.
Reinvigorating your current skills breathes life into old tasks, helps prevent mistakes, and gives you a sense of purpose.
Reskilling or upskilling helps you evolve and grow, increasing your potential for advancement.
Increases Job Satisfaction and Motivation
By being shown what is expected of you and how to fulfill your role, you will feel more equipped and motivated to complete your job. Mastering job skills and knowing how to perform your job increases your confidence.
OJT also creates a culture of shared learning because your mentor is typically another employee, giving you and the experienced employee a sense of belonging. This leads to increased job satisfaction.
Types of On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training can be used in a variety of scenarios, including:
Orientation
Almost every management system includes a workplace orientation. This type of on-the-job training provides you with essential information about your role, the company culture, benefits, and the company’s ethos.
Job Rotation
Job rotation allows you and other employees to learn about different roles within a company and keeps you engaged and motivated.
Mentoring Program
Having an experienced employee as a mentor provides you with support, encouragement, and practical experience. The importance of training within a mentoring program benefits the mentor, mentee, and company by transferring knowledge, boosting retention, supporting a learning culture, and promoting leadership development.
Internship
An internship is a paid or unpaid temporary position that exposes you to a real-world working environment and adds valuable work experience to your resume.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship allows you to focus on training in a specific field like electrician, carpenter, and boilermaker. Practical training in these fields earns you qualifications and certifications to advance your career.
Explore Jobsfuel.com and Find Your Next Job
On-the-job training is the best way to get practical experience to help build your resume and advance your career. Whether you are seeking an internship, apprenticeship, are transitioning to a new job, or rejoining the workforce, JobsFuel can help. Check out our job search board and begin your on-the-job training today.
