• Companies can utilize experienced employees for structured on-the-job training (SOJT) to improve onboarding.
• Several things impact the effectiveness of SOJT.

With structured on-the-job training (SOJT), an experienced employee uses a company-standardized checklist of tasks and performance criteria to train new employees. SOJT ensures consistency, effectiveness, and efficiency.

To be effective, SOJT requires preparation time and commitment to allow subject matter experts to share expertise and develop (or review for accuracy) task-oriented job descriptions, training manuals for both trainers and trainees, job aids, checklists, and performance standards. Also, the company must prepare trainers and allow time to do the training, then evaluate each trainee’s performance. The advantages include:

• Shorter training time,
• Standardized safety and quality procedures, and
• A way to give just-in-time training.

Success factors

Effective SOJT depends upon several things: selection of subject matter experts, development of training materials, preparation of trainers, and evaluation of training. Subject matter experts should be seasoned employees with expertise, a willingness and desire to train, good communication skills, and patience. Standardized training materials, including checklists and job aids, are essential for both the trainer and trainee. Each task-oriented training module should include a task statement, a performance standard, safety procedures, and conditions under which the task is performed.