Topics

On-the-Job Training

Editor's Note: Prepare employees with needed competencies through workplace instruction.

Marta MoakleyOverview: Even the most seasoned workers, vigorously recruited and promptly hired by organizations, will need to undergo on-the-job employee training and development. This is particularly true for supervisors and managers, who require a profound knowledge of internal processes and procedures not only to guide subordinates in the fulfillment of organizational goals, but also to minimize any liability arising from a notable departure from regular procedures. Such departures lead to inconsistency and, ultimately, potential unfairness (whether perceived or fact-based) within the organization.

On-the-job training is an indispensable part of an employee's professional development. Therefore, employers should focus on training throughout an employee's life cycle. Specifically, an employer should have an organized plan for a new hire on his or her first day, including scheduled training for internal processes, antiharassment and any required safety training. In addition, on-the-job training should be provided throughout an employee's career, including shadowing a supervisor or other employee in order to acquire new competencies necessary for career growth.

Trends: Employers in a global marketplace must contend with challenges in providing consistent and uniform on-the-job training to new hires and current employees. A number of employers have chosen training software vendors that emphasize a centralized approach for certain internal procedures, while remaining easily customizable based on local tastes and priorities.

Author: Marta Moakley, JD, Legal Editor

New and Updated

  • Webinar: Coming Soon: 50 States, 50 Sexual Harassment Training Laws

    Date:
    May 24, 2018
    Type:
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    Veteran employment attorneys Robin Shea and John MacDonald of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, answer all of those questions and more, so that your company's harassment training "exceed expectations" in this #MeToo era.

  • Training and Development: Maine

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    Updated to include amendments to sexual harassment training law, effective November 1, 2017.

  • President Trump Orders Review of Apprenticeship Programs

    Date:
    June 16, 2017
    Type:
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    President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order that calls for an "empirically rigorous evaluation" of current apprenticeship and workforce development programs. Employers would have greater discretion in designing these job training programs under the new directives.

  • US DOL Issues Final Rule Regarding EEO in Apprenticeship Opportunities

    Date:
    January 4, 2017
    Type:
    News

    The US Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule that updates equal employment opportunity (EEO) requirements with respect to apprenticeships. Current protections are expanded to include disability, age, genetic information and sexual orientation.

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    Type:
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    This briefing for supervisors examines the law and best practices for complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  • Training and Development: Tennessee

    Type:
    Employment Law Manual

    In-depth review of the spectrum of Tennessee employment law requirements HR must follow with respect to training and development.

  • How to Conduct a Training Needs Analysis

    Type:
    How To

    This How To details the steps an employer should take when conducting a training needs analysis.

  • Certificate of Training

    Type:
    Policies and Documents

    An employer may use this form to document the completion of a training course by an employee. Whether internal or external training methods are used, training employees affords an employee an opportunity for growth and further develop their job skills.

  • How to Train Workers for Dangerous Jobs

    Type:
    How To

    This How To details the steps an employer should take to train employees for dangerous jobs.

  • Safety Training Policy

    Type:
    Policies and Documents

    An employer may use this policy as a proactive tool to help set a framework for the methods and reasons employee training is provided. Implementing a Safety Training Program teaches employees to recognize and avoid dangerous situations in the workplace while ensuring the employer is in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

About This Topic

HR guidance on the legal risks and benefits of on-the-job training.

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