If you’re in a leadership or management position, think about how you train your
people in new skills. You’ll probably use a mixture of training methods, including on the-job training. But when is on-the-job training appropriate? And do you know how to structure it effectively, so that your people and your organization get the greatest benefit from it?
On-the-Job Training
This type of training happens when a team member (trainee) works alongside a more-experienced colleague (trainer), so that he or she can learn new skills under normal working conditions. As such, it’s probably the oldest form of career development. For centuries, people have been learning how to do a job by working with, or observing, someone more knowledgeable and experienced. It’s still the most widely used training method today, and is suitable for many types of workplaces. There are two forms of this type of training: unstructured and structured.
Unstructured
Unstructured on-the-job training is “free form.” It mostly consists of the trainer acting as a guide or mentor to the trainee throughout the working day. The trainer teaches vital knowledge and skills, and then allows the trainee to learn through trial and error. The trainer, along with a manager, offers feedback and suggestions for improvement on an ongoing basis.
Structured
Structured on-the-job training still takes place in the work environment, but differs in that it is better planned. For example, trainers may deliver presentations and lectures; may recommend reading materials; or may provide instructive questionnaires to help the trainee to learn new skills. The trainee then applies what she’s learned in the workplace. The trainer inspects work or shadows the trainee, and offers feedback and suggestions, as with unstructured on-the-job training.
Advantages of On-the-Job Training
One of the biggest advantages of this approach to training is that it’s easy to set up. All you need is an experienced team member, and the tools and resources that the trainee will need to do her job. On-the-job training (especially unstructured) is inexpensive compared to other forms of training such as computer simulation and classroom-based training. This makes it especially useful for smaller organizations.
Another advantage is that this approach to training puts new team members into the daily operations of the organization right from the start. New people can quickly get a feel for the corporate culture and the pace of work; and they can rapidly get to know their new colleagues and key stakeholders.
Trainees will also have the opportunity to put new skills to use immediately, which helps them retain the information that they have learned.