There are multiple ways you can enter the world of work.
Some graduates choose the traditional route – finish their degree, send out resumes and hope that phone call will one day end their unemployment days.
Other candidates who are lucky (or smart) may leverage their network within their family or friends to gain employment.
There is also another option – on-the-job-training.
What are training jobs?
On-the-job training, also known as OJT, refers to a practical form of job training. During on-the-job-training, candidates are educated on the relevant skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to perform a specific job within the workplace.
Training of these employees occur in the same environment in which they eventually work. This enables on-the-job-training to be effective way of getting future employees to learn and practice the skills they develop simultaneously.
During this time, employees are also exposed to the culture of the organisation and understand how its internal workings support and complement each other. Details about the company, such as dress codes, operating hours, the hierarchy of management and lines of reporting are also taught.
On-the-job-training can take multiple forms. In public sector organisations for example, there are usually state funded programmes that offer work experiences, skills training and networking opportunities for recent university graduates. Private firms may have onboarding – internship or mentorship programs, where experienced employees takes new trainees under their supervision and guide them into the dynamics of their working environment, teaching them the rules, roles and responsibilities of the job.
Which careers offer training jobs?
On-the-job-training opportunities can range from industries that have high level of specialised knowledge such as engineering, accounting, healthcare, technology, banking, law or maritime. Companies within these industries may offer their own initiatives such as apprenticeships, internships, probationary periods or a customised training program.
Creative organisations, such as advertising agencies, design studios and cosmetology have on-the-job training programmes. They may provide projects for new recruits to work on, under the supervision of a senior employee. Other industries offer extensive programmes where young recruits can learn the dynamics of a regional sector. For example The Caribbean Agricultural Research & Development Institute (CARDI) offers regional on-the-job-training geared towards young Caribbean professionals.
Do you need a CV to get a training job?
In a training job, one of the main goals is to get work experience. As such, companies expect that their candidates would likely not have substantial job training. Companies such as Shell, British Petroleum (BP) offers a paid graduate’s program. Atlantic LNG operate their Operator’s Trainee Programme and Republic Bank offers its Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme. These programmes are geared towards young professionals, starting their careers and providing job training and development.
For these programmes, as well as and OJT state funded opportunities, enrollment usually requires photo identification, national documents such as birth certificates and identification cards. Applicants are also required to submit utility bills as proof of address, banking information, transcripts and an NIS number where necessary.
In some cases, private companies, can sometimes ask for a CV for internships, or short-term employment contracts. In other instances, a graduate can participate in training jobs with their certifications, supported by recommendation letters.
Pros & cons of on-the-job-training (OJT)
Considering a training job is a great way to kick-start your career. However, it is important to explore all the benefit and challenges associated with it, to determine if it’s the best option, depending on your area of study and career goals.
Pros of OJT
- Practical learning – For candidates who prefer pragmatic forms of learning, on-the-job-training offers an effective and efficient way to learn and apply the knowledge, skills and competencies you’re developing.
- Valuable learning opportunities – Certain details about the working world are difficult to learn in the classroom. The mentorship guidance, training and career insights you receive from senior employees can prove to be valuable as you continually progress.
- Work readiness – Nothing prepares you better for your career than working on special projects, seeing the work environment in action and understanding various industry jargon and organisation cultures.
- OJT programmes are easy to apply for.
- Often, training jobs can lead to permanent positions within the company you’re already working for.
- Skill flexibility – The skills you can develop in these programmes can be useful when updating your CV, transitioning to other companies or even starting your own business.
Cons of on-the-job-training
- For some graduates, entering new, fast-paced environments can be challenging and takes time to get used to. It is also expected that there will be a few mistakes, as you settle in to your new role.
- Your perception of the company, industry or even the world of work can be heavily influenced by the culture and leadership of your organisation. If your company is faces conflicting internal issues, it can be demoralising.
- As a new ‘employee’ you are expected to learn and perform within a short span of time to avoid becoming the weak link within your team.
- During on-the-job-training, to ensure you’re performing well, you may be subjected to micromanagement by senior staff.
Does on-the-job-training guarantee a job?
Many on-the-job-training programmes operated within a fixed timeframe. Contracts can range from a few months to 2-3 years. Inevitably, once the training is complete, candidates are faced with the task of assuming whether a permanent role within the company, or a renewal of their contract is inevitable.
Companies advertise positions when there is a need for an additional resource. They must also be able to compensate that resource. Training programmes can, and widely do result in graduates becoming full-time employees. Many companies operate their trainee programmes for that very purpose – to groom future resources and provide due employment, once their performance and other criteria are met.
However, it is important to note that training jobs may not necessarily take this route. As a young professional, it would be in your best interest to have this discussion with your supervisor as your end date gets closer. Changes in economy and government regulations during recessionary or pandemic times for example, may force companies to decrease their workforce.
Additionally, at the end of your contracted period, you may decide to pursue other opportunities in other sectors. Therefore, it is essential to liaise with your supervisor, once your contracted term is ending to decide collectively on your future.
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What should I read next?
- Read our article about Graduate CV
- Read our article about Find a job with no experience
