On-the-Job Training (OJT) is part of the orientation process, while for the experienced persons OJT updates present job behavior or cross-trains for flexibility. The article elucidates the concept of OJT and suggests a framework for effective OJT.
Although OJT has been practiced since, at least, the Middle Ages, the US Army formalized the concept during the World War II. OJT is the design and application of a series of steps that enable the trainee to perform a job while either working on the job, or preparing to work on the job in the immediate future. Thus, for the new employee, OJT is part of the orientation process, while for the experienced person OJT updates present job behavior or cross-trains for flexibility. A study was conducted on three British National Training Award winners that paid particular attention to the OJT delivery. From their programs a set of rules governing "good" OJT was developed:
• In terms of planning and preparation, OJT should not be managed differently from other types of training.
• OJT should be integrated with other methods.
• Ownership must be maintained, even when consultants are used.
• On-the-job trainers must be chosen with care and trained properly |
