Understanding on the job training

The apprentice’s role should enable them to experience all elements of the apprenticeship. The pre-enrolment process takes into consideration the apprentice’s prior experience, their prior attainment of English and Maths and their suitability for the role.

As the employer, you’ll mentor the apprentice to help them gain the relevant skills, knowledge, and behaviours for the Apprenticeship Standard. This means you will be responsible for supervising their practice and providing opportunities for them to shadow experienced members of staff and to practice the skills they learn in workshops.

How is on the job training different from other forms of training?

On-the-job training is different from other forms of training as it happens in the workplace. Apprentices can learn from more experienced colleagues and apply the training immediately to their job role which can help the apprentice understand how the business operates and therefore benefit the business.

Advantages of on the job training

On the job training can be valuable to both the apprentice and the employer because it can…

Expand knowledge with real experience

On-the-job training provides faster learning about how the business operates by using company tools and methods. Apprentices pick up essential skills more quickly when given a visual demonstration which helps retain information and methods to benefit your business and their own personal and professional development.

Easily applicable

Training an apprentice on the job is easier to implement and provides direct results that suit the company’s needs. This is also a good opportunity for the apprentice to practice skills they learn in workshops.

Increases productivity

As the apprentice progresses, they will learn and retain more information and gain more hands-on experience with the business meaning they can become productive faster.

Easier set up

On-the-job training usually requires minimal set up as the training is done within the workplace and uses readily available resources.

Stronger work relationships

On-the-job training is carried out between apprentice and colleague. This can improve work relationships between colleagues who might not usually work together and can also lead to better staff morale and productivity increases.

What counts as on-the-job training?

Coaching

The employer or an experienced member of staff will work through a task step by step with the apprentice. The employer or an experienced member of staff will support the apprentice through the learning process by passing on their knowledge and skills.

Role play

Role play involves acting out a scenario to see how an apprentice would perform under certain conditions. This would allow the apprentice to practice appropriate ways to deal with different scenarios that may occur within the workplace.

Job rotation

The apprentice can rotate or move through different jobs within the workplace so they can gain a range of skills from a different department or job role providing the experience gained is relevant to the apprenticeship training.