On-the-job training

On-the-job training improves the way companies train their employees. Would you like to induct new employees more quickly, while also continuously expanding the knowledge and skills of your existing teams? You’re not alone. Many HR managers and executives are faced with the challenge of helping staff put theoretical knowledge into practice effectively without compromising their productivity.

On-the-job training offers the solution. It integrates learning directly into everyday working life, meaning that your employees acquire practical knowledge they can apply straight away. This not only shortens the induction period for new employees, but also raises the profile of continuous development among your entire team. Employees feel valued when they see that their professional development is taken seriously, which leads to greater motivation and long-term loyalty.

In this article, you’ll learn how on-the-job training can optimize your training strategies, which methods and tools have proven effective, and how you can create the ideal conditions for successful training. Read on and discover how you can unleash your employees’ full potential and drive your company forward with targeted on-the-job training.

On-the-job training means that your employees learn directly at their place of work. They acquire new skills and knowledge by conquering real-life tasks and challenges. Instead of sitting in a classroom, they put knowledge into practice right away and learn through hands-on activities.

For example, a new sales employee could be directly involved in the sales process by first shadowing experienced colleagues during pitches, and then conducting sales calls themselves. An IT employee could be trained by solving real technical problems instead of working on theoretical exercises.

This method not only boosts understanding, but also increases motivation and productivity. On-the-job training integrates training seamlessly into everyday working life, creating a learning environment where knowledge is practical and directly applicable. Employees benefit from immediate feedback and can implement what they have learned right away, which significantly increases the likelihood of the knowledge being retained.

On-the-job training offers numerous benefits for both employees and employers. It integrates learning directly into everyday working life and creates a dynamic and practice-oriented learning environment. Training your employees directly on the job increases their motivation and productivity while also encouraging the development of important skills and knowledge. While traditional training methods are often abstract and detached from the actual working environment, on-the-job training makes the learning experience direct and relevant. This leads to faster learning progress and better retention of knowledge. In addition, companies benefit from a more flexible and cost-efficient training strategy that can be easily adapted to their specific needs and challenges.

On-the-job training offers many advantages, but also brings with it some challenges. Knowing and actively addressing these will help you get the most out of this method. Although on-the-job training is practical and makes knowledge directly applicable, it requires careful planning and implementation to be truly effective. Without the right preparation and support, both employees and the company can encounter difficulties. These challenges include time management, resource allocation, the quality of training, different learning styles, measuring success, and employee motivation and commitment. If you take these factors into account, you’ll create a learning environment that is not only effective but also sustainable. A targeted approach to these challenges enables you to overcome the obstacles and get the maximum benefit out of on-the-job training.

On-the-job training and eLearning are a match made in heaven—a real power couple of employee development. Combining both methods enables you to you create a flexible and effective learning environment that supports your employees as effectively as possible.

eLearning offers a number of advantages that significantly improve on-the-job training. Your employees can access learning content, such as online courses, interactive modules, and digital resources, anytime and anywhere. This means they can learn at their own pace and in line with their individual needs. Imagine an employee being able to focus on an online course during a quiet period in their working day and then applying what they have learned in practice immediately. This seamless integration of theory and practice maximizes retention and encourages continuous skill development.

Another major advantage of eLearning in on-the-job training is the ability to provide customized learning content. You can create specific courses and modules that are tailored precisely to the requirements of your industry and your employees’ individual development goals. This ensures that the training always remains relevant and practical.

In addition, eLearning offers extensive options for success monitoring and feedback. Integrated tests and quizzes let your employees monitor their progress independently and see immediately which areas still require improvement. This promotes self-directed learning and increases their motivation to continuously develop their own skills.

eLearning also supports collaboration and knowledge sharing within your company. Online forums, webinars, and virtual workshops give your employees avenues to share experiences and best practices, ask questions, and develop solutions together. This strengthens the sense of community and fosters a culture of continuous learning and cooperation.

Integrating eLearning into your on-the-job training gives you a flexible, cost-efficient, and scalable learning solution. Your employees get access to high-quality, always-on learning content, can apply it in practice immediately, and receive continuous feedback on their progress. This combination of practical experience and digital learning means you benefit from sustainable and effective employee development programs that make your company future-proof.

On-the-job training can be utilized successfully in many areas, and is particularly effective when supplemented by eLearning. Regardless of whether your employees work in the office, in production, in the service industry, or in a nursing profession, combining these methods offers numerous advantages and practical learning opportunities.

A new accountant starts at a company. She receives the theoretical knowledge she needs through eLearning courses on the company’s internal systems and accounting processes. These online courses include videos, interactive exercises, and tests that teach her the basics, as well as the company’s specific requirements. At the same time, she shadows an experienced colleague and applies what she has learned in practice by carrying out real accounting transactions. The colleague explains the intricacies of the internal processes to her and is available to answer her questions. This combination of digital learning and practical experience gets her off to a fast and effective start.

The combination of on-the-job training and eLearning is particularly valuable in nursing. New staff start by completing online courses that teach them the most important medical basics and nursing techniques. These courses include videos, case studies, and interactive exercises on topics such as wound care, administering medication, and patient communication. On the practical side, they shadow experienced nursing staff in their daily work, from applying dressings to caring for patients. The experienced nursing staff demonstrate how to do things, monitor the newcomers’ work, and provide constructive feedback. This method ensures that the new staff are both well trained in the theoretical side of nursing and gain practical experience, which significantly improves the quality of care they provide.

On-the-job training combined with eLearning offers fantastic advantages for production staff. Say some new machinery in the production line requires specialist knowledge. Employees first complete online tutorials and interactive modules to learn how it works and understand the associated safety regulations. These digital training courses contain step-by-step guides, safety videos, and tests to ensure the knowledge is retained. The employees then apply this knowledge directly at the machine under the guidance of an experienced technician. The technician shows them the practical steps, corrects mistakes, and gives immediate feedback. This method ensures that your employees not only master the theory, but also get to put it into practice safely and efficiently.

There is also the option of attaching a QR code to each machine, which then opens up a brief introduction and the most important check questions on a mobile device when scanned. This means that your employees can call up the information they need quickly and easily if they are unsure. This type of mobile learning can save a great deal of time and resources.

In the service sector, for example in the catering industry, new employees can be quickly inducted through a combination of on-the-job training and eLearning. A new waiter starts by completing eLearning modules that teach him about the menu and service standards. These modules contain detailed descriptions of the food and drinks served, all of the mandatory hygiene and occupational safety training he needs, video instructions demonstrating service techniques, and quizzes to check what the has learned. During the shift, he shadows an experienced colleague and learns how to talk to guests, serve food and drinks, and use the cash register system. The experienced colleague gives him tips, shows him efficient working methods, and supports him with his first customers. Being able to apply what has been learned immediately helps him familiarize himself with the environment quickly and provide a high quality of service. In the hospitality industry, where there is especially high pressure and a tense staffing situation, on-the-job training enables even inexperienced staff to be inducted quickly and smoothly.

To ensure your on-the-job training program is a success, you first need to create an environment that encourages continuous learning and growth. The following steps will help you lay the foundations.

Establish a positive learning culture in your company. A learning culture in which training and personal growth are seen as key values motivates your employees to actively participate in on-the-job training. Make it clear that learning and development are valued. Organize regular training sessions, workshops, and forums where employees can share their experiences and learn from one another.

Make sure that managers actively support the training program. When line managers take on-the-job training seriously and participate in it themselves, they set a positive example. Managers should regularly interact with their teams, provide feedback, and monitor training progress. This support shows employees that their development is important and encouraged.

Set clear objectives and expectations. Define precisely which skills and knowledge you want your employees to acquire through the training. Communicate these goals clearly and make sure that everyone involved knows what is expected. This transparency helps employees focus on their learning objectives and measure their progress.

Use modern technologies to support the training. eLearning platforms, learning management systems (LMSs) and flashcard apps offer flexible and interactive learning opportunities. These tools enable employees to access learning content anytime and anywhere, and to consolidate what they have learned at their own pace. Combine these digital solutions with practical tasks to create a comprehensive learning experience.

Create opportunities for hands-on learning. Being able to apply what has been learned directly in the workplace is crucial for successful learning. Give your employees the opportunity to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge to real projects and tasks. Experienced colleagues and mentors can provide support and valuable feedback.

Encourage open dialog and feedback. An open communication climate in which questions can be asked and experiences shared is essential. Regular feedback sessions help everyone evaluate their learning progress and identify potential for improvement. These discussions should be constructive and supportive in order to motivate employees and encourage their development.

Implement incentives and rewards. Celebrate your employees’ successes and recognize their progress. Rewards and incentives provide additional motivation and increase commitment to on-the-job training. A simple thank you or a small bonus can make a real difference.