Employer Resources
Coaching & On the Job Training
Structured on the job training is an effective way to provide new employee training when classroom training is not feasible. Unlike informal, watch and learn training often used in small businesses, structured on the job training has an advantage because it is defined and measurable and it has a beginning and an end. More importantly it is easier to schedule, manage and accomplish. Taking a ‘coaching’ approach to this training will deliver results more focused on bringing out the best in a new employee. The coaching approach is a more encouraging and a well structured method of training. This is also interactive for both parties and facilitates positive results. Whilst you maintain the structure of on the job training, the coaching approach allows the learner to actively participate, problem solve and learn in a hands on manner.
Structured on the job coaching is designed in advance and uses a planned methodical approach which includes:
- Breaking the job into small bite sized pieces or tasks
- Determining the skills needed
- Defining the minimum performance level
- Setting a time for reaching a certain level or learning the skill or knowledge
The coaching approach to this training requires careful selection of a suitable coach and relies heavily on demonstration followed by the learner taking a hands on role in the learning. It is important that a coaching session follows a structure which includes an introduction and definition of what is to be learnt, the body of the session which includes the instruction and hands on learning and an evaluation where the learner can asses themselves on how competent they feel with the tasks.
Coaching is a great instructional method for all employees, not only new ones. It can be used when problems are identified with performance or if new procedures are implemented and is an effective method of ensuring skills of employees are kept up to date in an encouraging and interactive manner as opposed to the lecturing method of learning. Coaching is also a great way to recognise the efforts of existing high performers as it is a display of confidence by management in employee’s efforts if they are asked to coach a new employee.
It is important to acknowledge the importance of training employees. The ‘sink or swim’ mentality will almost always fail and effective and positive training saves time and money and leads to a happier culture and greater staff retention
