Why Structured OJT?

Structured OJT:

Has proven superior to other training methods, especially for task-level skills and knowledge
Costs less to develop and implement than other training methods
Drastically shortens training time
Results in immediate standardization and consistency in task accomplishment
Eliminates the transfer-of-training problem experienced in other training methods
Relieves employee anxiety and reduces avoidable employee turnover
Allows for short periods of training on the job - train what you need when you need it (just-in-time training)
Provides first time, remedial, and recurrent training
Improves self-esteem and morale of workers
Can be easily and quickly modified as specifications, processes, procedures, products and equipment change
Is tailored to each individual's learning style
Provides the perfect content for e-learning applications

In addition:

Adults respond better to structured OJT than formal learning in classrooms
One-on-one training and coaching is ideally situated to help learners engage in learning according to the way they do it best
Conditions during training should always approximate conditions on the job as much as possible
Adults expect learning to be directly related to the job

Do You Need Structured OJT?

Your organization might consider structured on-the-job training if any of the following are true:

You need to standardize and document your organization's processes and procedures as well as define competencies for given tasks.
Employee turnover is higher than ever before and you need to find a way to train new workers quickly.
Employees in your organization perform tasks inconsistently, which makes it difficult to spot problem areas and implement corrective actions.
Your organization's error rate has skyrocketed and customers are complaining about quality.
Cycle time has got to be slashed or your company may not be in business much longer.
Your group has just purchased a lot of high technology equipment and you need to train employees to operate it - now.
You have been hit with more OSHA or FDA regulatory requirements that need to be satisfied in a short period of time.
Product lines at your facility change so rapidly, that operators can't stay current.
You are searching for a way to actively involve employees in improvement processes.
Your company has experienced dramatic growth and must have an efficient and economical way to train people in specific job tasks.

The bottom-line: You need to train people, you need to train them quickly, and you need to find a low-cost, yet effective way to do that. You also need to improve morale and develop responsible, loyal, high-performing employees. And, you know that the old way of training people on-the-job - i.e., the degenerating buddy system, "follow Joe around", or unstructured OJT - simply does not work.

Human Performance Applications
Phone: (206) 447-0860
FAX: (206) 447-3410
E-mail: diane@teamojt.com