Updated January 27, 2023
On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training (OJT) is a type of training that takes place in a typical working environment. It teaches employees new skills and techniques, which can benefit the employer. OJT has the benefit of letting employees learn the skills they need to do their jobs in a real-world setting instead of in a classroom. By discovering in a real-world environment, employees can often better understand the task or position they are training for and gain better insight into how the job works and fits into the larger corporate structure. OJT is also an excellent way to save money because you don’t have to pay for outside teachers or materials. Additionally, it can provide employees with feedback and guidance from their supervisors and peers.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of On-the-Job Training
The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of on-the-job Training:-
Advantages of On-the-Job Training
- Cost Effective: On-the-job training is one of the most cost-effective. It takes little time or money to set up because the training is done on-site and usually by people who already work there. This type of training also eliminates the need to hire outside trainers or send staff to offsite training venues.
- Targeted Learning: On-the-job training allows targeted learning and skills development. The training focuses on particular tasks or skills, such as using new software or operating a machine, and can be tailored to the individual and their specific needs.
- Immediate Application: On-the-job training allows for immediate learning application. Learners can apply the skills they learned immediately and in a real-life setting, allowing them to practice and improve.
- More likely to remember: Since on-the-job training takes place at the workplace, people are more likely to remember what they have learned. They can use their new skills in the same setting, which helps them remember what they’ve learned and helps them understand the material better.
- Improved Performance: On-the-job training can be an effective way to improve the performance of staff. By teaching the skills needed to complete tasks, staff are more equipped to complete the job and can improve overall performance.
Disadvantages of On-the-Job Training
- Time-Consuming: On-the-job training can be a time-consuming process. Depending on the complexity of the job and the number of skills one needs to teach, a certain amount of time is necessary for the trainer to teach the trainee effectively. It can be exceptionally costly for organizations that need to train a large number of employees in a short period.
- Cost: On-the-job training can be expensive for an organization. The organization must pay for the trainer’s time and the cost of any materials used during the training process.
- Limited Scope: On-the-job training is usually limited in scope. The trainer can only teach a set of skills related to the job and may only be able to cover some of the necessary information.
- Unstructured: On-the-job training can be unstructured, which may be a better approach for some trainees. The trainee can learn all the necessary skills with a structured approach effectively.
- Not Standardized: On-the-job training needs to be standardized. Different trainers may have other teaching methods and may need help to provide the same level of training for all the trainees. It can lead to discrepancies in the knowledge and performance of the trainees.
Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of On-the-job training
On-the-job training (OJT) offers employees the opportunity to learn while working. On the plus side, OJT allows employees to learn in a familiar and comfortable environment, saving time and money since no additional training facilities are required. OJT also allows employees to learn at their own pace, gaining practical experience and knowledge. On the other hand, OJT can be costly and time-consuming for the company since an experienced worker is taken off the job to teach. Also, the training quality might decrease because the trainer might need to learn more about the subject he has to teach. OJT can be an effective way to train employees, but companies must weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it is the right training solution.
Final Thoughts
On-the-job training is an effective way to train employees in the workplace. It can be beneficial to both the employer and the employee as it allows the new employee to learn the necessary skills quickly and the employer to save on costs. However, it can be time-consuming and costly for employers to provide training to new employees. Additionally, on-the-job training can lead to a lack of consistency in the training process and can be challenging to monitor. Overall, on-the-job training has advantages and disadvantages, and employers need to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to use it as a training method.
