On-the-job training has been around for a long time. In fact, there are contracts of formal apprenticeships going back to the 1600s in America and much before then in other parts of the ancient world. This style of training has had such a long and robust history because of its effectiveness. Having someone by your side, watching every move you make, and correcting mistakes immediately with expertise is an extremely effective way to learn a new trade. As we look at the history of on-the-job training programs, it’s clear that it has always been the natural first step in training a new hire, although it is extremely inefficient. In today’s fast-paced, growth-driven marketplace, we are finding that this classic form of employee education is a dying breed.
Advantages of using on-the-job training software
On-the-job training software is hands-on
On the job training software is practical. HR representatives can build content in a learning management system that directly coincides with the tools employees need to perform their daily tasks. Employees tend to learn rapidly because they are directly participating instead of listening to lectures. Additionally, ever-changing industries and roles have the ability to update and create training as often or little as they need.
On-the-job training software is economical
Other training methods need facilitation by trainers or HR representatives, but with web-based employee learning, the only requirements are a computer and a connection to the internet. A recent HR onboard study found the average cost of onboarding new employees can be as high as $40,000. While investing in employees is necessary, there’s no need to let onboarding costs skyrocket. A learning management system can alleviate most of these expenses because it’s accessible from anywhere, so there’s no need to pay for employee travel, meals, hotels, etc.
On-the-job training software is flexible
Employees have to fulfill their daily tasks, and they may not have much free time during their regular workday. However, with the on-the-job training software, they can access their learning management system at any time. Additionally, employees might not be in their dream role so they may want to explore other areas. With an online employee training platform, employees can partake in learning other skills. For example, an employee could work in digital marketing, but potentially be interested in software engineering. Thanks to the company’s learning management system, the employee can learn to code, obtain a software engineer certification, and transition to a new role. Plus, the company doesn’t lose a valuable employee that fits the culture.
In dynamic industries that experience a great deal of change regularly, such as sales, creating a community that shares strategies, new content, and best practices is important to the success of the organization. A learning management system can provide a feed where employees share content and engage with one another. The online training platform also fosters a collective of lifelong learners which is essential for innovation in today’s digital age.
Disadvantages of using web-based employee training
On-the-job training software requires digital literacy
Companies that train you to code are becoming more popular, and for specific cases, like software engineer training online, users without a digital background may struggle with learning the material without an in-person instructor. Luckily with an online training platform like Lessonly, the digital barrier can be alleviated by breaking content into smaller pieces, making it more digestible and not as overwhelming for users.
On-the-job training software can be distracting
The purpose of on-the-job training software is to boost employee productivity and create a more enriching experience for employees. However, one of the few drawbacks of employee training software is that it can divert attention from daily tasks to learning additional content that may not be requisitory for the employee’s role. It’s possible to mitigate the issue of low productivity by encouraging employees to learn unnecessary content outside of business hours. Such problems can also be easily mended in a simple feedback session between the manager and the employee.
On-the-job training software may not be everyone’s preferred learning method
There are seven different types of learning styles and every employee might not enjoy online training software. Others might prefer an instructor-led or lecture-style methodology. Regardless, blended learning can solve this issue by providing a learning style for everyone. Blended learning is an approach of learning that uses both an E-learning and online employee training platform, to enhance training and retention of content. We highly encourage this methodology and believe a learning management system is at the heart of blended learning.
