UNIT 8. LEARNING ON THE JOB

 

STARTING POINT

Task 1▐ Discuss the questions.

Where did you gain the qualifications and skills you need for your current job?

What kinds of formal training do you do?

What does “learning on the job” mean to you, and how is it different from formal training programs?

 

READING

Task 2▐ Read the abstract of the article on the concept of learning on the job and share your thoughts.

 

On-the-Job Training: Building a Program that Works

By Elizabeth Perry, ACC for betterup.com

 

Also known as OJT, on-the-job training is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – learning how to do the job (or do the job better) while in the role.

Through hands-on teaching and coaching, employees learn the practical skills and knowledge they need to perform their job. The man takes place in a normal work environment rather than outside the workplace in a classroom or virtual setting.

What do we mean by on-the-job training?

Both off-the-job training and on-the-job training help employees develop certain skills they need for their job. But OJT focuses on integrating new employees into their everyday work environment.

Rather than hiring a person from outside the organization, OJT is typically a type of internal training. It might be set up as a program, with defined expectations and a set beginning and end, but often it is far less formal. Experienced colleagues, managers, and members of HR take responsibility for helping the individual develop professional skills and capabilities.

5 types of on-the-job training

Let’s take a look at five types of more formal OJT that you could use at your workplace:

1. Orientation

Workplace orientation provides new employees with basic information about their new roles. Most companies have some form of orientation in place, even if they don’t consider it on-the-job training.

Through this popular type of OJT, a supervisor helps a recruit become familiar with the organization. They share information like workplace culture, employee benefits, and the company mission.

2. Internship

Whether paid or unpaid, an internship is a temporary position. They’re mostly sought out by students and graduates.

Rather than focusing on employment, the position focuses on career growth. The period of work experience gives exposure to the real-world working environment.

3. Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is typically for adult learners to earn money while they learn in a real job. While an internship focuses on experience, apprenticeships focus on training.

4. Job rotation

This technique involves moving employees between their assigned roles. It promotes experience and variety by switching a new employee around a range of positions.

This is a great way to give employees an overview of the entire process. It also gives team members a better sense of what their colleagues do for the organization.

5. Mentoring programs

Assigning a mentor to a new employee has many benefits, including learning on the job. The new hire gains practical advice, encouragement, and support.

This method of training also teaches the current experienced employee how to be a teacher.

As Aristotle said, “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them”. On-the-job training is the perfect example of this. An effective training program lets employees learn from leaders, peers, and on-the-job.

 

Task 3▐ Answer the text dependent questions on on-the-job training:

1.        What is the main focus of on-the-job training (OJT)?

2.        How does on-the-job training differ from off-the-job training in terms of the learning environment?

3.        Who typically takes responsibility for helping individuals develop professional skills in on-the-job training?

4.        How does an internship differ from other types of on-the-job training?

5.        In what way do apprenticeships differ from internships?

6.        What is the main benefit of job rotation as a type of on-the-job training?

7.        How do mentoring programs contribute to on-the-job training?

8.        How does on-the-job training allow employees to learn?

 

VOCABULARY

Task 4▐ Match each term with its corresponding definition.

Terms:

a.      sandwich courses

b.     on-the-job training

c.      job shadowing

d.     mentoring

e.      coaching

f.       demonstrations

g.     job rotation

 

Definitions:

1.        Practical training in a real work environment focusing on specific job skills and knowledge.

2.        A relationship where a more experienced individual guides and supports the development of a less experienced person.

3.        The process of helping someone improve their performance and achieve their goals through guidance and feedback.

4.        Presentations or examples that illustrate how something is done or how something works.

5.        A method of training where an individual follows and observes a more experienced worker to learn about a specific job role.

6.        The practice of moving employees between different job roles or departments to broaden their experience and skills.

7.        Courses that combine academic study with practical work experience.

 

Task 5▐ Which of the following is NOT an example of on-the-job training? Choose the option that does not represent a form of on-the-job training from the list below and provide a brief explanation for your choice.

·          Coaching

·          Attending a seminar

·          Job Rotation

·          Internship

·          College degree

·          Task Delegation

·          Mentoring

·          Online courses

·          Job Shadowing

 

GRAMMAR USE ▐ Second Conditional

The second conditional is used to talk about hypothetical or unreal situations in the present or future. It expresses an unlikely or impossible condition and its probable result. In business English, the second conditional is commonly used for discussing hypothetical scenarios, making suggestions, or exploring potential outcomes.

Structure:

• If + past simple (condition), would/could/might + base form of the verb (result).

Example: If we reduced costs, we would improve profitability.

 

Task 6▐ Complete the sentences using the second conditional structure.

1.        If the company invested in renewable energy, it __________ (reduce) its carbon footprint.

2.        If we offered more flexible work hours, we __________ (attract) top talent.

3.        If the proposal was accepted, we __________ (gain) a competitive advantage.

4.        If the economy improved, we __________ (expand) into new markets.

5.        If the project were completed sooner, we __________ (meet) the deadline.

6.        If the training program were more comprehensive, employees __________ (develop) new skills.

7.        If we restructured the department, we __________ (increase) efficiency.

8.        If the product were priced competitively, it __________ (capture) a larger market share.

9.        If the negotiation tactics were more effective, we __________ (secure) the deal.

10.   If the team were more proactive, they __________ (identify) opportunities for growth.

 

VIDEO   Task 7▐ Watch the video about OJT [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J3VEGaaBxturiw_FXhSu0BH0dwgE4cMP/view?usp=sharing] and identify whether the following statements are true or false.

1.   On-the-job training (OTJ) is conducted off-site.

2.   The trainer should not correct any errors made by the trainee during task performance in JIT.

3.   On-the-job training is not commonly used due to its high cost.

4.   Providing autonomy to the trainee is an important aspect of the follow-up step in JIT.

5.    On-the-job training is often preferred by organizations because of its effectiveness.

 

 

COMMUNICATION PRACTICE

Task 8▐ Discuss the benefits of on-the-job training. How can one evaluate the effectiveness of on-the-job training? Is the continuous learning concept in the workplace important for your carrer?

 

 

WRITING

Task 9▐ Watch the video about on-the-job and off-the-job training [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8hxViZkjXI]. Complete the table. Compare the key differences.

 

Method of training	On-the-job or off-the-job	Short explanation of the training method	Example