MODULE 1 DISCUSSION POST: ON THE JOB TRAINING
Brandon Woods posted Apr 7, 2020 8:53 AM
Hello Class,
On-the-job training (OJT) is one of the most commonly used training methods in todays workforce, and it is vital to the development of new employees. In a modern economy, the investment in human capital by firms is crucial to foster technological adoption and foster productivity growth (Almeida & Aterido, 2015). It is the same for the military. We utilize OJT in every aspect of our training. I work in Mental Health, and one of the first things a new technician has to learn is how to perform is a patient evaluation. The ability to have someone watch you perform and then allow them to try while providing feedback is a valuable tool. It gives new technicians hands-on experience, helps individuals gain confidence in their abilities, and will enable me to provide real-time feedback to help improve their skills.
As HRM professionals, we should objectively determine the value of OJT by understanding there are many different methods to training and OJT may not always be the best method. One of the problems with OJT is that the training is only as good as the trainer. The entire training may be placed in the hands of individuals who do not know the task and who considers the training an imposition on his or her work time (Jacobs & Jones, 1995). When this happens, the training becomes obsolete and could create more training deficiencies.
OJT can be used in succession planning when promoting individuals to managerial or leadership positions in a company. Many companies promote from within, and as individuals participate in OJT you can see the potential in their abilities and begin grooming those employees for significant roles in your organization.
References:
Almeida, R. K., & Aterido, R. (2015). Investing in formal on-the-job training: Are SMEs lagging
much behind? IZA Journal of Labor & Development, 4(1), 1-23. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.trident.edu:2048/10.1186/s40175-015-0029-3
Jacobs, R. L., & Jones, M. J. (1995). Structured On-the-job Training: Unleashing Employee Expertise in the Workplace. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
