As your company grows in size and complexity, you’ll need to train new employees to help keep things running smoothly. Yet, you know how expensive it can be to hire a new employee. From training them, providing onboarding and ongoing support, the costs of training can be significant.
With this in mind, we’ve listed 4 key reasons why training on the job can be so valuable to your business, and why you should do it as soon as possible.
What is on-the-job training?
On-the-job training or OJT is a type of learning that happens while someone is doing the job they are trained to do. This type of learning takes place in real-life situations, when someone learns new skills or how to perform tasks by doing them.
This is different from classroom learning where the teacher teaches the material in a controlled environment. In on-the-job training, the learner is the one who needs to perform the task with a regular employee teaching side by side.
This way you can make sure they have a clear understanding of the expectations they will face on the job, and make sure they are prepared for the challenges ahead.
What are the benefits of hiring an On-the-Job Trainee?
Quick Training and Real-world Experience
Traditional training usually takes a long time unlike on-the-job training wherein the trainee learns by watching his or her coworkers as well as following them. This is done as soon as possible and in a short amount of time.
This method of learning is faster and much more effective than traditional training because trainees learn the specifics of the job that they are being trained for and get a feel for the day-to-day responsibilities of their new position.
For the trainee, the experience is invaluable, and they can gain valuable skills and knowledge.
Increases Productivity and Retention
Many companies use the practice of hiring a “trainee” to increase the productivity of their employees and minimise turnover rates. The employee is essentially being asked to perform other responsibilities in addition to the one he or she already has.
That sometimes cause stress that affects the overall performance as she can’t focus on the main task.
Hiring a trainee allows the employed employee to be more productive because the trainee can perform these duties instead. This can include answering phones, organising sheets, etc.
Knowledge Management
In case your employee has to resign, your trainee can fill in the vacant position smoothly and easily. Letting your employee transfer their job knowledge to the trainee for a few days can help with faster onboarding and getting an acceptable level of performance.
Financial benefits
On-the-job trainees have the same job as their senior colleagues, but for less pay. This arrangement is a win-win situation for both parties. The company gets an employee for a lower salary, and the trainee gains valuable experience in their chosen field.
In case you have to spend on training, save it for a more important type of training like developing marketing strategies wherein you need everyone or the majority to gather in a classroom rental or training room rental.
Conclusion
These are a few reasons that companies should consider hiring on the job trainees. It’s a cost-effective way to improve a company’s bottom line and an affordable way to help increase productivity while also reducing overall training costs. Another reason is that it helps retain good employees while quickly filling in any vacant position.
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