On-the-Job vs Off-the-Job Training
Weighing the two main training methods: the benefits and drawbacks of on-the-job against off-the-job training, and how to pick the one that suits a particular business by its cost, disruption and the skills it needs.
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Two ways to train, weighed up
A business that has decided to train staff must still choose how. On-the-job training happens at work, with the worker learning the real job as they do it. Off-the-job training happens away from the workplace, such as on a college course. Each has clear benefits and drawbacks. On-the-job is usually cheaper and the worker keeps producing, but the trainer loses time and only narrow skills may be learnt. Off-the-job brings a specialist and wider skills, but it costs more and the worker is away. The best choice depends on the business, so this module weighs the two and then picks between them.
Training choice words
Learn these before you weigh the two methods, and keep cost and disruption in mind for every case.
Benefits weighed side by side
Each method has its own strengths. A strong answer knows both sides before it judges.
How to choose the right method
Do not just list good and bad points. Pick the one that fits the firm in front of you. Weigh three things: how much money is spare, how badly lost output would hurt, and how specialised the skill really is. A tight budget and simple task lean one way; a complex skill and a need for a qualification lean the other. End by naming your choice for that business and saying which of the three reasons tipped it.
Match the point to the method
- an on-the-job benefit
- an on-the-job drawback
- an off-the-job benefit
- an off-the-job drawback
- the worker keeps producing while learning
- bad habits can be passed on by the trainer
- a specialist teaches a wider range of skills
- the worker is away and not producing
Which fits this firm?
A small cafe on a tight budget needs a new starter to learn to use the coffee machine quickly, without closing. Which training method fits best?
- On-the-job training, learning the machine during work.
- A long off-the-job college course.
- No training at all.
- Closing the cafe for a week of training.
Off-the-job benefits
Select the TWO real benefits of off-the-job training.
- A specialist can teach a wider range of skills
- It can lead to a recognised qualification
- It is always the cheapest option
- The worker keeps producing the whole time
Cost of a course
An off-the-job course costs 300 pounds for each worker. A firm sends 6 workers on it. Multiply to find the total cost, in pounds.
Order the training decision
Put the steps a manager takes to choose a training method in order, earliest first.
- Work out which skill the staff need
- Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each method
- Consider the cost and the lost output
- Choose the method that best suits the business
Complete the facts
Learning at work while doing the real job is _____ training. Learning away from the workplace on a course is _____ training. The loss of normal output while staff train is called _____. On-the-job is often chosen because it is cheaper and the worker keeps _____.
Match the business to the best method
- a firm on a tight budget teaching a simple task
- a firm needing a complex, specialist skill
- a firm whose staff must gain a legal qualification
- a firm that cannot afford to lose any output
- on-the-job training to keep costs down
- off-the-job training with a specialist trainer
- off-the-job training that ends in a certificate
- on-the-job training so work carries on
Spot the true training-choice facts
Tap the TWO statements that are true when choosing a training method.
- On-the-job training is usually cheaper for the firm
- Off-the-job training can teach a wider range of skills
- Off-the-job training is always the cheapest choice
- On-the-job training takes the worker away from work
Make the call
Read each case and choose the best method, with a reason.
- A busy warehouse needs new staff to learn to pick orders fast, and cannot afford to stop work or spend much. Which method fits best?
- A hospital needs staff trained to use a complex new scanner safely, ending in a recognised certificate. Which method fits best?
- A manager says off-the-job training is always best because it is cheaper. How should you respond?
Evaluate the two training methods
A growing garage must train mechanics on a costly new engine system. Evaluate whether on-the-job or off-the-job training would suit it best.
- Explain one benefit and one drawback of on-the-job training
- Explain one benefit and one drawback of off-the-job training
- Weigh the cost of each method for the garage
- Weigh the disruption to output and the type of skill needed
- Finish with a clear judgement on which method the garage should choose and why