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OJT vs Internship: What’s the Difference?

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For various students and fresh graduates, the terms OJT and internship are often used interchangeably. However, while they share similarities, they actually have visible structures and purposes. Therefore, learning the difference is critical because it allows students, employers, and educators to form natural anticipations about skills growth, employment preparation, and workplace absorption.

In particular, 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 a best way to familiarize the practices and attain knowledge related to company work flows. To learn more, click here to read more about what OJT means.

What is OJT for students?

OJT for students is a guided training program where trainees use their educational wisdom in a real work field. Unlike classroom lectures, OJT reveals students to actual industry processes, instruments, and collaboration.

Furthermore, the main OJT purpose is to prepare students for the workforce by:

  • Allowing them to apply approaches learned in school
  • Generating technical and soft skills through essential activities
  • Constructing confidence in professional settings
  • Equipping networking opportunities with likely employers

What is the purpose of OJT training?

The objective of OJT training pushes further by merely meeting educational needs. Instead, it’s about conditioning learners for real-world struggles, causing them job-ready, and allowing them to comprehend the standards of the industry.

What is the difference between OJT and internship?

The main difference between OJT and Internship lies in structure and scope.

Specifically,

  • OJT (On-the-Job Training): A more general term that involves anyone, students, employees, or career shifters,who experience training at work to acquire valuable skills.
  • Internship: A detailed type of OJT developed mainly for students, usually with persistent schedules, learning objectives, and academic supervision.

Is OJT the same as an internship?

OJT is not the same as an internship. Although an internship is technically a form of OJT, not all OJT programs are internships. Typically, internships are linked to academic needs, while OJT may also be used in corporate environments for employees experiencing a new role.

What is the difference between OJT and immersion?

The immersion is normally briefer and more introductory than OJT. For instance, senior high school students in the Philippines frequently undergo work immersion to get a quick exposure to organizations. Meanwhile, OJT, nevertheless, is more advanced, lengthy, and concentrated on skill application.

What do you do in an OJT?

During OJT, students usually:

  • Aid in daily company functions
  • Shadow experts to better comprehend in the workflows
  • Use industry-specific devices and softwares.
  • Involved in meetings, presentations and projects of the company.
  • Use educational approaches to solve real-world problems. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an OJT replace an internship?

Yes, in various matters. Since internships are a type of OJT, numerous academies and employers identify them interchangeably. Nevertheless, the conditions rely on your organization or program policies.

OJT hours vary. However, for college students, it usually runs from 200 to 600 hours depending on the program and academy guidelines.

Various OJT programs are paid, while others provide allowances or are just voluntary and remain unpaid, depending on company policy. Additionally, you can browse OJT offers with allowances at OJTGo. Register now!