So, you abandoned the traditional training setup and hopped on the on-the-job training (OJT) bandwagon due to its rising popularity. The real question is, have you seen an ROI from infusing learning and development into your employees’ workday?
If your answer is no, did you take a step back and wonder why your OJT program was not successful?
What is on the job training?
On-the-job training (OJT) is a hands-on method of imparting new skills to employees as they work. It offers practical experience, letting employees learn job-specific skills in real-world settings under experienced trainer’s guidance. According to Gitnux, it is indicated that for every $1 investment in training, companies earned $30 in productivity. This approach fosters proficiency, problem-solving ability, and adaptability, making it effective for skill acquisition and better understanding job responsibilities.
Benefits of On-The-Job Training for Employees
On-the-job training (OJT) offers significant benefits for employees. The benefits are as follows
Practical experience
OJT offers hands-on learning opportunities directly related to job roles. Employees engage in tasks and projects that simulate real work scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations.
Skill development and proficiency enhancement
Employees improve their abilities and become more proficient in their tasks. Through regular practice and repetition, they refine their skills and develop a deeper understanding of industry-specific techniques and best practices.
Increased understanding of roles
OJT helps individuals gain deeper insights into their responsibilities, enhancing confidence and job satisfaction. By actively participating in day-to-day operations, employees gain firsthand experience of their role's impact within the organization's workflow and objectives.
Continuous learning and growth
Employees are exposed to real challenges and opportunities for skill enhancement, fostering ongoing development. As they encounter new tasks and responsibilities, they are motivated to seek out solutions, learn from mistakes, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Supportive environment for development
Immediate feedback from mentors during OJT creates a supportive atmosphere, contributing to career success and advancement. Mentors provide constructive criticism, guidance, and encouragement, helping employees overcome obstacles and reach their full potential within the organization.
5 Types of On-the-job Training for Your Employees
We know that just-in-time learning is an effective way of training the workforce. However, how you present on-the-job training also makes a big difference. If your OJT program isn’t impactful and relevant to your employees, they will refrain from investing their valuable time into it during work hours.
Given the importance of on-the-job training, it is best not to waste your precious time on OJT approaches that are not working. Read on for a few examples of on-the-job training that can help you create effective learning programs that convert into workplace performance.
1. Skill-based learning
Most on-the-job training is confined to providing generic knowledge or policy/product-based information. This is why it often fails to drive the intended impact.
It is imperative to give employees strong reasons for balancing learning with work. Employees would be more interested in learning programs that help them reach their full potential and meet their career goals.
Skill-based learning seamlessly blends into on-the-job training. Developing necessary skills through on-the-job training can positively impact employee performance. And PWC’s research found 77% of employees are ready to learn new skills.
For making this OJT approach successful, it is imperative to identify and benchmark the necessary skills for each role. Modern technology like a Learning Experience Platform(LXP) can help you identify the trending skills for different employee roles and track the proficiency level to measure the skill score. Based on the skill level, you can assign relevant courses to address the improvement areas and boost the efficiency of the employee.
2. Asynchronous learning
Asynchronous learning is a flexible learning method that doesn’t limit employees to any stipulated time frame for skilling.
With this type of on-the-job training, employees can learn and grow at their own pace. They aren’t overwhelmed with a large pool of information at one time. Employees can easily access the learning material designed by the L&D professionals at any hour of the day.
However, because it is asynchronous, it doesn’t need to happen in silos. Employees can collaborate with their peers through social learning and ensure timely knowledge sharing. They can post queries in the social group whenever they are stuck and get them resolved instantaneously.
3. Blended learning
Blended learning combines the benefit of intent-based digital learning and instructor-led training. Employees can attend a learning session with their teams on common topics and then enroll in online courses at their preferred time to enhance their unique capabilities.
They can also learn the fundamentals of specific subjects before joining the classroom modules for in-depth discussion. In a nutshell, blended learning smartly merges asynchronous and synchronous learning that helps cover everything from product-led training to skill-driven learning to drum up interest and learning adoption.
4. Personalized learning
Employees are more likely to engage in on the job learning material that would add value to their daily tasks. In the modern world of “Netflix” and “Amazon”, where employees get personalized recommendations, they expect the same “just for me” experiences in their learning journey. Therefore, it is crucial to create personalized learning pathways based on individual interests and skill gaps for your on-the-job training program.
When learning programs are aligned with employees’ goals and career aspirations, they take ownership of their skill development and put in sincere efforts to improve their skills. For example, one of Hong Kong’s multinational finance and insurance companies established a continuous learning culture with AI-driven content recommendations and experienced 29% improved sales results through a structured sales enablement process.
Read the full case study on how this Hong kong based firm personalized learning and improved productivity with an AI-powered LXP.
5. Analytics-based learning
Curating and designing on-the-job training isn’t a walk in the park. It consumes a considerable amount of time and effort. So instead of just developing learning content, it is essential to pause and evaluate if the employees benefit from the learning content.
Assessments and learning analytics can help you gauge the effectiveness of your on-the-job training. Based on skill gap assessment, you can provide and take feedback from the employees to improve on-the-job training.
A complete skilling suite, like Disprz, not only enables you to create impactful on-the-job learning journeys but also helps you dig deeper into learning analytics. You can slice and dice learning data as per your company’s requirements and leverage it to level up your OJT programs.
Final thoughts
You have just seen there are various ways to conduct effective on-the-job training programs that can drive results. However, to implement these various on the job training examples, it is essential to have the right technology in place.
Disprz LXP enables you to do all of the above from one platform. This advanced learning platform focuses on complete skill development, from skill identification to skill building. You can effortlessly blend asynchronous and synchronous learning without leaving the platform. It empowers you to track skilling analytics with business-linked dashboards that are tied to company goals. Moreover, through periodic assessments and feedback, managers can assess current skill levels and guide the employees on the right path.
FAQS
How effective is on-the-job training?
On-the-job training (OJT) offers employees manifold benefits. It provides practical, hands-on experience, enhancing skill development and job proficiency. OJT deepens their understanding of roles, boosting confidence and satisfaction. Moreover, it encourages continuous learning and professional growth by exposing them to real-world challenges and opportunities for skill improvement. This training fosters a supportive environment where employees receive immediate feedback and guidance from experienced mentors, facilitating their development and success. Overall, OJT promotes skill acquisition, job satisfaction, and career advancement.
How can we make OTJ more engaging & Interactive?
Disprz LXP provides a comprehensive solution for on-the-job training (OJT), facilitating seamless skill development for employees. With Disprz LXP, you can easily identify and develop skills through a single platform. It offers a variety of learning formats, including interactive modules and real-time sessions, enhancing engagement without the need to switch between different tools. Additionally, the platform includes robust analytics features linked to organizational objectives, enabling managers to monitor skill development progress effectively. Through regular assessments and feedback mechanisms, managers can evaluate skill levels and provide personalized guidance, ensuring employees stay on track with their development goals.
How does OJT contribute to career development and progression?
OJT equips employees with practical experience and skills vital for their professional growth and advancement.
Practical, hands-on experience: OJT provides employees with direct involvement in real-world tasks relevant to their roles, fostering practical skill development. They gain invaluable insights into day-to-day operations, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios effectively.
Enhanced job proficiency: Learning while performing tasks in real-world settings enhances employees' skill sets and proficiency in their job roles. This immersion in practical tasks helps them develop a deeper understanding of the intricacies and nuances of their responsibilities, resulting in increased confidence in their abilities.
A deeper understanding of roles and responsibilities: Experiential learning through OJT enables employees to gain a comprehensive understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and industry-specific practices. By actively participating in workplace activities, they grasp the broader context of their work and its significance within the organization.
Exposure to challenges and skill improvement opportunities: OJT exposes employees to various challenges, providing opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. They encounter diverse situations that demand problem-solving skills, adaptability, and creativity, allowing them to refine their abilities and expand their skill set.
Feedback and guidance from mentors: Experienced mentors offer feedback and guidance during OJT, contributing to employees' development and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their careers. These mentors provide constructive criticism, share best practices, and offer support, fostering a supportive learning environment conducive to growth and success.
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