On-the-Job Training

On-the-job training (OJT) is a training method that is planned, organized, and conducted at the employee's worksite. OJT will generally be the primary method used for broadening employee skills and increasing productivity. It is particularly appropriate for developing proficiency skills unique to an employee's job - especially jobs that are relatively easy to learn and require locally-owned equipment and facilities.

On-the-job training has a general reputation as most effective for vocational work.

Compared to classroom or e-Learning, OJT provides deeper context and more cognitive triggers for questions from the trainee as they struggle to perform a new task in the actual work environment. e-Learning, in general, should be more scalable with its minimal delivery cost. Like, OJT, classroom has the potential for one-to-one real-time interaction with a subject matter expert; and should also be more scalable as it has a more favorable instructor-to-student ratio. OJT on the other hand has a scalability plus in that it is relatively easier to schedule, including “just in time” scenarios.

Links

• Training on the Job (http://books.google.com/books?id=wHjgg05dtUcC&dq=%22training+on+the+job%22+walter) A book by Diane Walter for anyone who wants to set up a successful on-the-job training program. This book includes an eight-step model for setting up a structured, team-driven, on-the-job training program, plus easy-to-understand templates, instructions, and checklists, and case studies any size organization can apply. (224 pages)

• Unraveling the Five Myths about OJT (http://www.ojttracker.com/myths2.pdf)Working paper, Charles Levine (4 pages)

• Tips for Structured On Job Training - Technical Training Tips (http://www.peteblair.com/tips4.htm)On Line Resource For Designers, Developers, and Training Managers