On-the-job training (OJT), or onboarding training, is an interactive method used by new employees to gain proficiency and skills for work environments. OJT may be provided by professional trainers or experienced coworkers.
Experienced employees teaching newcomers is also an effective Training for Jobs strategy that saves both money and time for the company while helping its staff retain information more readily.
On-The-Job Training (OJT)
On-the-job training (OJT) is one of the most widely utilized methods of workplace learning, offering individuals the flexibility and autonomy to explore topics at a pace that works for them while in the context of real work activities. OJT also helps individuals develop essential soft skills such as adaptability and flexibility that may not otherwise develop naturally.
OJT may be structured or unstructured and can involve professional trainers as well as co-workers. Tools used include checklists, goals and target measures, specified supervisors, and mentoring.
Companies looking to implement on-the-job training must first identify which areas or modules they'd like to train people in. Next, they should create training materials such as checklists and instruction cards that outline tasks for trainees to complete during each OJT session, with signatures from the trainer, supervisor, and SME at the end of every OJT session to verify work has been completed correctly and confirm completion. Finally, evaluation must take place both during and post OJT to assess its impact.
Internships
Internships provide invaluable hands-on training, giving students and recent graduates practical experience in their chosen careers. Unlike work placements which form part of a course curriculum, internships provide paid roles within specific workplaces that require interns to commit as fully to their duties as any employee would - sometimes involving more responsibility than usual and professional tasks. Bolt Jobs is the platform for anyone looking for an internship in on-the-job training.
Internships can be enjoyed as either semester or summer experiences, with some providing college credit. Your school may provide information about available internships through its career center to ensure they comply with university standards for skills development and student safety. Furthermore, long-term cooperative educational experiences (co-ops) exist whereby long-term internships include academic study at the same time.
No matter the format of your internship experience, make sure that it aligns with your interests and career goals for maximum benefit. Not only will the experience added boost your CV but its skills can even transfer over to future jobs beyond this internship placement.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are long-term paid work-based learning programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on training for specific occupations. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience leading to careers in skilled trades; typically paying at least minimum wage while providing benefits like health insurance, tuition assistance, and mentorship support.
Apprenticeships differ from internships by having a clear curriculum that's strictly regulated to ensure quality instruction for apprentices, plus providing them with an opportunity to earn nationally recognized credentials.
Employers sometimes partner with community colleges and technical schools to offer classroom education for their apprentices, which can reduce training costs by shortening apprentice training time and decreasing equipment costs. Direct costs associated with an apprenticeship include wages, curriculum development costs and materials, mentor time commitment, and early-stage equipment suitable for early training; employers may offset some of these expenses with grant-based assistance or public subsidies. Meanwhile, indirect costs include overhead, human resource capacity issues as well and any administrative requirements involved with registering an apprenticeship and complying with compliance responsibilities.
Mentorship
Mentorship is a form of social learning that can assist individuals with developing leadership abilities. Additionally, mentoring can enhance employee morale and boost productivity - especially within organizations with diverse workforces: studies have revealed that companies employing diverse employees earn 10% more revenue compared to non-diverse organizations.
The traditional definition of mentoring defines it as someone more experienced who guides and nurtures the professional growth of someone less experienced, known as an apprentice or protege. However, mentorship relationships can benefit people of any age or experience level; those receiving mentorship benefit by increasing self-awareness through self-reflection as well as setting and accomplishing mutually agreed-upon goals with their mentor.
Social capital theory offers us an effective framework to examine mentorship through the lens of social capital theory. This framework enables us to examine how mentors transfer information channels and resources, as well as how mentorship may have an effect on mentees' persistence in science careers and result in the internalization of community values.
