On-the-job training (OJT) is an effective way for employees, especially in technical roles, to gain hands-on experience and quickly acquire the skills needed to excel in their jobs. However, traditional OJT programs can be disjointed and inconsistent, with no unified structure or metrics.
Despite these inherent challenges, both OJT and paper-based Performance Support processes were rated highly effective in the Brandon Hall Group™ 2023 Learning Benchmarking Study. Both modalities also show significant planned growth by participating companies.
As effective as both OJT and Performance Support efforts are, the question becomes, how do we make them even better — driving consistency, adoption and efficiency? Implementation of an LMS (learning management system) can empower and enable OJT by systematizing the training process, allowing transparency into employee progress and ensuring training quality across shifts.
Some of the key benefits of using an LMS for OJT include:
Standardization of Training Content and Delivery
With an LMS, training content can be centralized instead of relying on tribal knowledge. Subject matter experts can create training modules covering key skills and tasks required for each role. These modules ensure standardized training delivery across multiple shifts and trainers. Checklists within the LMS provide clarity on required competencies.
Tracking Learner Progress
A major advantage of an LMS is the ability to track learner progress in real-time. Managers can monitor employee training completion rates and identify knowledge gaps. Employees can also view their own progress and access refresher materials as needed. With multi-shift teams, it’s particularly valuable to have transparency into training status across all employees.
Capturing Tribal Knowledge
Experienced employees often possess valuable tribal knowledge that is at risk of being lost if not formally captured. Subject matter experts can use the LMS to codify their knowledge into training modules, profiles and resources. This empowers consistency and prevents dependence on any single employee.
Reinforcement of Training
An LMS allows training to be reinforced through multiple mediums over time, improving retention. Short modules can provide focused overviews before hands-on practice. Quizzes confirm comprehension. Videos can demonstrate tasks step by step. Checklists act as easy refreshers. Repeated exposure to concepts across modalities enhances learning.
Collaboration Across Shifts
With multi-shift teams, effective collaboration can be challenging. An LMS provides a centralized platform for employees across shifts to share knowledge. Subject matter experts can communicate best practices through training modules. Discussion forums allow peer-to-peer Q&A. Document sharing reinforces training with standard operating procedures accessible to all shifts.
Compliance Tracking
For regulated industries, an LMS can track employee compliance training and completion of critical certifications. Automated notifications can inform managers and learners of upcoming expirations. Required training can be incorporated into onboarding checklists. Compliance reports provide auditable records. Many LMS solutions can also be a good place to host standard operating procedures (SOPs) so that everyone has access.
To maximize the impact of an LMS-enabled OJT program, the following strategies should be considered:
Manual, paper-based OJT programming is heavily dependent on Learning and Operational team involvement. This exacerbates common challenges as highlighted in the Brandon Hall Group™ 2023 Learning Benchmarking Study, including the ability to measure learning effectiveness, upskilling employees at the speed of the business, budget and staff limitations, and many others.
Brandon Hall Group™ Preferred Provider® Totara Learning has helped many organizations overcome these challenges and drive success in their OJT programs. Totara advocates for and is particularly skilled in helping organizations achieve complex skill development by linking learning to performance management in OJT environments. Totara also helps customers increase compliance, safety and realize significant cost savings. Learn more at LMS for Manufacturing: Skill Development and Safety with Totara.
If you’ve not considered moving your OJT program into an LMS before, Brandon Hall Group™ recommends you keep the following in mind when evaluating potential solutions:
Successfully implementing an LMS can elevate OJT programs by systematizing training, enabling transparency into progress, capturing tribal knowledge and driving collaboration across multi-shift teams. The outcome is a highly skilled, compliant workforce equipped with the latest knowledge to excel at technical roles — regardless of shift. The LMS empowers employee development while providing managers with insights needed to support growth. By taking this optimized approach to OJT, technical teams can reach new heights.
This content was originally published here.
