On-the-job training (OJT) is one of the most influential and well-established ways of teaching students the skills and knowledge needed to work in a professional environment. Lack of OJT often reduces the chances of a smooth transition between university and the labor market. As a result, several organizations give OJT to students before appointing them to full-time job positions.
Even though OJT is a common step, many students do not know how to benefit from it. The below guide will tell you the different types of OJT and their advantages for students.
What is OJT?
OJT is a type of training that is provided at the workplace. It helps students get direct experience in using tools, software, techniques, or equipment used in a live environment. As employees need different skills to accomplish their tasks, OJTs are customized to train students to acquire a specific skill set. Professional trainers and co-workers usually provide this training.
Generally, students acquire academic knowledge and develop specific skills before graduation. OJT helps them to strengthen these skills and facilitates their career growth. Besides teaching students how to apply their knowledge and skills, OJT introduces them to the company’s core values, mission, and vision. It is a precisely structured plan that consists of different job phases and procedures that new employees need to follow during their tenure within the company.
What are the types of OJT for students?
- Internship
An internship is one of university students’ most common OJT types. It is either a part-time or short-term training program that allows students to learn from field experts. Many professional courses now encourage students to take mandatory internships during their last university term. Based on the organization and the type of role, some internships are unpaid, while others pay a small stipend to the students.
- Apprenticeship
Unlike an internship that is usually unpaid, an apprenticeship is a paid OJT for students. It is a great way to learn the necessary job skills and earn money simultaneously. Apprenticeship is common in industries requiring many practical skills, such as construction, engineering, or technology.
- Job shadowing
Job shadowing is a proven way of giving students a good overview of their job roles. In this training, students learn by observing a fellow employee at work. This employee is a mentor for the students and teaches them different strategies to complete their tasks effectively.
- Online learning modules
Many workplaces use online learning modules to make the training experience engaging for students. These modules include reading material, training videos, and quizzes to evaluate students’ performance. It enables students to gain the necessary skills from either their home or university and at their preferred time.
What are the advantages of OJT for students?
- A faster way to develop skills
Recently, many emphases have been given to experimental learning for students. OJT is similar to experimental learning, which helps students quickly develop the skills needed to work professionally. It trains students to retain the information accumulated during their academic years. As OJT primarily focuses on the skills involved in the job, it trains students to troubleshoot and perform their job at an acceptable level.
- Students feel like a part of the team
Many students find it challenging to start a professional life immediately after university. OJT helps students assimilate into the new workplace and boosts their confidence. From the beginning, it makes students feel like valuable, contributing team members. It also allows them to collaborate with trainers, co-workers, and peers and develop relationships for professional and organizational development.
- Builds confidence
Students undergo OJT at the start of their professional careers. At this point, they only have theoretical knowledge and little practical experience. OJT helps students identify their potential and polish their skills to fit into a rapidly growing job environment. During OJT, students learn by observing their co-workers, asking questions, and taking measured risks. They also receive constant feedback on their performance. As students discover their strengths and weaknesses, they learn to accept their mistakes, find practical solutions and confidently face challenges in their new job.
- Gives industry knowledge
Once students finish graduation or post-graduation, they need to gain industry knowledge to establish their careers. OJT gives students hands-on work experience that is specific to their chosen industry. The students can perform their daily tasks, participate in meetings, work as a team, and attend industry-related seminars. As they learn about their roles and responsibilities, they gain a closer insight into the industry.
- Improves growth opportunities
During OJT, trainers or senior employees closely monitor students’ performance. Their work is also constantly measured against the industry benchmark, and constructive feedback is provided as per the performance. This feedback is valuable for students to improve their skills and learn the tools or techniques needed to execute their tasks professionally. It reduces their chances of repeating the same mistakes and gives them multiple growth opportunities to excel in their career.
- Enhances retention
Students are more likely to retain all the tips and tricks learned during OJT. It is the ultimate experience for the students to remember the information and use it appropriately. As students are assigned responsibilities from an early stage, they learn to follow instructions and ensure that the job is done correctly. This also improves productivity in students and makes them more competent in performing their duties.
- Learn to handle unforeseen instances
In a typical work environment, things don’t always go as planned. If employees are not prepared for such situations, they cannot handle them effectively. During OJT, students get a first-hand experience of different unprecedented situations at work. They learn how to handle these situations with ease and find out-of-the-box solutions.
