What Does OJT Mean?
Are you excited to kick off your OJT or are you having doubts and being pressured? Let’s first learn more about what OJT means to help you better decide.
On the Job Training (OJT) is a set of training given to employees in order to gain hands-on experience regarding the career that they are pursuing. It is also one of the best ways to familiarize the practices and attain knowledge related to company work flows.
What is Work Immersion?
Have you experienced the “work immersion” during your Senior High School year? wherein you do the related tasks and activities that are inline with the career you are pursuing. Some schools based the work immersion depending on the “strand” that the students are taking.
For instance (Humanities and Social Sciences or (HUMSS)) then the related work immersion that the student can take is in line with that strand—law firms, office works, etc. Some organizations offer an allowance to the student taking an immersion.
DepEd Guidelines
According to DepEd Order No. 40, series of 2015, Work Immersion refers to the part of the Senior High School (SHS) Curriculum consisting of 80 hours of hands-on experience or work simulation which the Grades 11 and 12 students will undergo to expose them to the actual workplace setting and to enrich the competencies provided by the school under the supervision of the School Head and the designated personnel of the Partner.
Transition to College OJT
On the other hand, when you reach the Tertiary level (College), you are exposed into a wide and real world as you slowly fulfill your college journey before graduating. Many college students are the ones who select the organisations where to take their internships.
Same with work immersion, there are also internships that are paid and otherwise are voluntary. There are various organizations that are offering paid internships and allowances to their trainees.
What type of employment is OJT?
On-the-Job Training (OJT) is not an employment type, but rather the best way of training provided to an employee while they perform productive work.
Here are the two common types of OJT:
OJT for Students
Also called as work immersion or student internship programs. It helps students apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting and is required before graduation.
OJT for Employees
This is designed for newly hired employees that are transitioning into new roles. It provides hands-on training aligned with the company’s expectations and workflow. After the successful accomplishment, employers are expected to retain these trained individuals as regular employees.
To make this brief, OJT is not a full employment but rather a practical training program that can lead to profound job opportunities depending on the employees’ performance.
Is OJT a work experience or training?
OJT serves as both training and experience, allowing students to learn detailed job skills while applying their academic knowledge in the real-world. It’s a practical process of training that caters hands-on experience, effectively bridging the theoretical learning gap between professional work by allowing trainees to do actual work tasks in a supervised environment.
What to expect during OJT?
During an On-the-Job Training (OJT), you will be expecting the following:
Orientation and Observation
The first process of training typically involves an orientation and observation, wherein you will be introduced to the whole company staff, discuss the do’s and don’t’s of the company, briefly explain to you the organization’s background, the individuals that you’re going to tap for assistance and the process or workflows of the company.
After the orientation, some organisations (not all) will give you a time to process and absorb the orientation phase and they will let you observe.
Following Policies and Professionalism
After the orientation and observation phase, you should also be prepared to follow the company policies and maintain a professional attitude to your co-workers and within yourself. Always be professional and avoid becoming too comfortable with your co-workers. Set aside the unnecessary things and focus on your training.
Participation and Initiative
Actively participate by asking questions and diligently applying yourself to the tasks. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and help from your colleagues. Remember that the more questions you ask, the more information that you will be getting and in that way, it will help to ace your task and even accomplish it on and before the deadline.
Handling Feedback
Be open to criticisms, allow yourself to grow by the critiques that you will be getting from your colleagues and don’t take it personally, use the suggestions for your improvement.
Learning Workplace Skills
Learn professional skills like teamwork and communication in a real work environment.
It is not inevitable that you will be handling loaded tasks. When this happens, don’t feel pressured—always do first the necessary tasks before hopping into the next one.
What happens during OJT?
On-the-job training (OJT) works by simply providing employees with practical experience to learn new sets of skills and in performing their job within a real workplace, guided by supervisors.
How it works:
Actual Work of Trainees
Trainees perform actual job tasks in the workplace rather than in a separate classroom or seminar.
Guidance from Experienced Colleagues
Through the guidance of supervisors, trainees are expected to get instruction, feedback, and support through the learning process.
Hands-on Experience
Trainees gain practical knowledge and skills by using real equipment and procedures specific to the job.
Mentoring
OJT involves formal mentoring from a supervisor, helping the trainee develop skills and understand the workplace culture and process.
How to prepare for OJT?
Preparing for your OJT is quite crucial as you will need to consider various things.
Before Your OJT Begins
Do your research: Spend more time on seeking for the organization of where you are going to utilize your OJT, so that you have more options. Learn about the company’s mission, vision, and goals, as well as the industry you’re entering.
Prepare for interviews: Expect that before you begin your OJT, you will face an interview.
Prepare your documents: Have your resume and any other school or internship requirements ready.
Understand expectations: Research and understand the general workplace standards, dress code, and work ethics of the industry.
Practice professionalism: Make sure you know how to dress appropriately for the training environment and practice being organized and punctual.
During Your OJT
- Be responsible and punctual: Don’t be late on your first day of training. Keep in mind that first impression is crucial. OJT is far different from attending school, because here, you are expecting to observe the real work. Don’t apply the unproductive things that you are doing in your University. Your manager is just observing around, always and always managing your time very well.
- Take thorough notes: Keep a notebook or laptop to list down important details and information that will be useful for your work.
- Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you’re unsure about something. Write down your questions to get answers at the end of a training session.
- Be proactive and take initiative: Observe experienced employees and volunteer for tasks that challenge you to stretch your knowledge and skills.
- Study independently: Take time to learn more about your job tasks so that you will be prepared and contribute more.
- Maintain a positive attitude: Stay engaged, positive, and willing to learn throughout the training process.
What is the first step in the OJT process?
Before securing your OJT, it will take a long process.
In order for you to not cram and secure the organisation that you love, make sure to do your research. Spend more time on seeking for the organization of where you are going to utilize your OJT, so that you have more options. If you don’t know where to start, you can register at OJTGo to check out all of the companies looking for an intern with your skills and apply there.
When you have already decided what organization you are willing to do your OJT, then learn more about the company’s mission, vision, and goals, so that you will have an idea of what company you are entering. In that way you can assess yourself if it really suits you and if it is really in line with the skills that you have so that you can perform well.
Now that you have knowledge about what OJT means, it’s clear that this program is more than just a requirement—it’s a stepping stone toward building your future career. Whether as a student completing your work immersion or as an employee undergoing training, OJT provides the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
Are you ready to kick off your OJT journey? Make sure that you will apply the information that you gained above, and you will surely have a smooth On-the-Job Training.
Good luck!
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