Using Design Teams to Develop OJT Materials

TeamOJT Tip of the Month for February, 2008

The primary task of design teams is to perform team job task analyses and write training modules on the identified tasks. Design teams do, however, play a significant part in the whole development process. Design teams:

• Develop project plans
• Select approval teams
• Create training implementation plans
• Assist in verifying training modules on site
• Conduct workforce overviews
• Obtain input from employees not on the team
• Assist with implementing maintenance and evaluation plans
• Meet regularly with trainers
• Schedule periodic reviews with supervisors

The ideal design team has six to nine employees: three of four subject matter experts who contribute technical knowledge; one to three other experienced workers who can explain how a task is performed, what cautions and aids are needed, and what documentation is useful; and two trainees or inexperienced employees who help ensure the appropriate level of detail. It is the job of the trainees to question anything they don't understand - things such as terminology, steps of the procedures, safety requirements, etc. That's the only way to ensure the modules are written appropriately for trainees. Plus, the trainees learn a lot in the process!

When design teams are up and running, people from other parts of the organization may serve on the teams when job tasks affect areas other than the specific work group represented. Design teams who perform the same jobs in other locations or on other shifts share in the module-writing activities so as to lower the workload for any one team. This process strengthens communication among teams and helps ensure buy-in when the training modules are completed.

It goes without saying that design team members must make a commitment to serve on the team and then stick to that commitment. And it's always a good idea that they volunteer for the job of team member. Generally the only reason design team members ever quit is because the supervisor doesn't really support the team effort and gives little or no importance to on-the-job training. This can cause employees to hesitate to spend even one hour per week in team meetings. So be sure you have management commitment before you start anything!

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