Introduction
Sooner or later, every manager or supervisor becomes a trainer. On job training is part of a manager’s job. Some managers are instinctively good at it. Some are poor. Most fall somewhere in between. No matter where you fall, there are some things you must know if you want your on job training to be successful.
A Warning
Every manager should realize one thing above all else: the success of your on job training will depend on the thoroughness of your preparation. You may or may not be a “good instructor”. All the instructional competence B60 in the world won’t make up for poor preparation.
And Remember….
As a manager, you need well trained staff. Good training is in your best interests as well as that of your trainees.
The Checklist
• Set The Goals
Before you do anything else
a) Write down precisely what the trainee will be able to do at the end of the training that he or she couldn’t do at the start. Use active verbs that describe actions you can measure: operate, repair, sell, complete, enter, replace. You can’t measure “understanding”, “appreciation” or “insight”.
b) Write down precisely what the trainee will know at the end of the training that he or she didn’t know at the start
c) Write down how, at the end of the training, you’ll know what the trainee knows and can do
d) Write down how you’ll test for the acquired knowledge and competence.
• Test The Trainee Beforehand
You have the goals. You have the tests. Use them: before you start training. It’s essential that you know exactly what training the trainee needs. Nothing “turns off” a trainee more than undertaking unnecessary training.
• Prepare A Training Plan
Start at the end and work back to the beginning of the training. That’s the only effective way to plan. It’s also the only way to ensure that you include everything. Make safety a major issue.
• Establish a Timetable
Work out how much time you need to complete the training. Make sure that you allow sufficient time for trainee practice. Include breaks. If the training’s extensive, break it into logical segments.
• Explain Everything
Before you start, explain everything to the trainee: the goals, the standards, the performance, the knowledge, the testing and the timetable. Answer trainee questions before you start.
• Choose and Check Equipment
Assemble all equipment, tools and aids you’ll use. Check to see that they’re in good working order and available when you need them. Do not use equipment that doesn’t work properly or old, worn out tools. Remember, safety’s a major issue.
• Select Location
Ideally the on job training location will be the actual job location. If that’s not possible, choose a location that closely resembles on job conditions.
• Identify Dangers
Carefully check your training plan, equipment and location to identify possible dangers to the trainee. What you may consider safe for you may be very dangerous to a trainee.
• Present The Training
If you’ve prepared properly, presenting the training should be quite straightforward. Remember the old system, based on 3 words.
1. Tell: explain what you’re about to do.
2. Show: explain what you’re about to do showing the tools and equipment.
3. Illustrate: do it. Ensure the trainee uses the same system as they learn.
Move to a new phase of training only after a trainee has demonstrated competence at the previous phase.
• Be Patient
You want the trainee to be competent on the job. Be patient. Allow lots of time for practice to reach competence. Never “hurry” the trainee. There’s no place for “you’ll get the hang of it. Let’s move on.”
Conclusion
Remember three things above all else
1. Clearly defined measurable goals are absolutely essential.
2. The key to successful on job training is preparation. The most brilliant presentation in the world won’t make up for poor preparation.
3. The measure of success of on job training is trainee competence on the job. To use an old expression … “if the student hasn’t learnt, the teacher hasn’t taught.”
