How to Coach Yourself and Others How To Perform On The Job Coaching | Page 11

1.2 Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages and disadvantages of this form of training can be summarised as follows:
Advantages

Disadvantages

Generally most cost-effective
Employees are actually productive
Opportunity to learn whilst doing
Training alongside real colleagues

Quality depends on ability of trainer and time
available
Bad habits might be passed on
Learning environment may not be conducive
Potential disruption to production

Some other advantages of OJT are:
Training takes place in the actual work environment. The trainee is surrounded with the sights,
sounds, smells, etc., of the job, so little is left to the trainee's imagination.
The coach demonstrates the task at the job site using the same tools and/or equipment the trainee
will use to perform the task.
The coach can tailor the training to meet the needs of each trainee because the coach has the option
to change the pace, order, depth, and the length of instruction to allow the trainee to learn the task.
The trainee is able to practice the task and gain hands-on experience.
Possible disadvantages to OJT that should be considered:
The actual job site may not be the best place for training. The equipment at the job site may not be
available for the length of time required to conduct OJT. Training may have to take a "back seat" to
the requirements for operation. That is, the equipment may simply not be available for training due
to operational goals or commitments.
In some cases, the actual cost of OJT can be high. OJT is usually conducted one-on-one, and this
method of training and performance testing takes a great deal of time. In some cases, an coach can
train more than one trainee; however, performance tests should always be done one-on-one.
Certain equipment may be dangerous in the hands of a trainee even under close supervision. (A
simulator training setting would be a more desirable setting for tasks that fall in this category.)
There is also a chance that a trainee may damage equipment in the process of learning how to
operate it.
The ultimate success of any training program requires a strong commitment to training by both line
organization management and training management. The concurrence of these organizations
regarding goals and content of an OJT program is essential for effective training.
Training review/steering groups have been an important link in this process at several facilities.
However, the facility's line organization has the ultimate responsibility for the proper training of
their personnel.
Accurate records that document the actions and decisions made during each OJT program's
construction and revision should be maintained to serve as the audit trail. The critical portion of an
audit trail is not necessarily the decisions themselves, but the rationale that led to making them.
These records should be maintained on an ongoing basis.

11