ON THE JOB TRAINING

Many graduates of tourism and hospitality studies have been found to be unemployable. It is therefore the responsibility of supervisors and managers to utilize these available resources to train, qualify, and develop their new hires.

On-the-job training (OJT) is one of the best training methods because it is planned, organized, and conducted at the employee's worksite. OJT will generally be the primary method used for broadening employee skills and increasing productivity.

It is particularly appropriate for developing proficiency skills unique to an employee's job - especially jobs that are relatively easy to learn and require locally-owned equipment and facilities.

Morale, productivity, and professionalism will normally be high in those organizations that employ a sound OJT program.

An analysis of the major job requirements (identified in the position description and performance plan) and related knowledges, skills, and abilities form the basis for setting up an OJT plan.

To be most effective, an OJT plan should include:

The subject to be covered;
Number of hours;
Estimated completion date; and
Method by which the training will be evaluated

To have a successful OJT program, supervisors need to assign a coach to each employee involved in OJT. It is the responsibility of the coach to plan training carefully and conduct it effectively.