In a rapidly changing economic and societal landscape, businesses face a dual challenge: quickly training employees to meet operational needs while maximizing the value of these skills within often constrained financial and organizational frameworks. This article delves into the key issues related to on-the-job training and offers actionable solutions to address them effectively.
1. Context: The Need for Accelerated Training
Many industries rely on job-specific skills that are best learned through hands-on practice. In fields like aesthetics, hydrotherapy, or hospitality, a diploma alone is often insufficient to make an employee fully operational. New hires must master complex internal protocols and specific practices, which can take weeks or even months of on-the-job guidance.
However, these informal training methods, while critical, are often poorly documented, underfunded, and perceived as hidden costs for the company. The question then arises: how can these processes be structured to maximize efficiency and minimize financial impact?
2. Key Challenges for Businesses
a. Tracking and Validating Skills
In many organizations, on-the-job training is delivered informally by experienced employees. Without proper documentation, these training hours cannot be incorporated into skill development plans or qualify for funding from entities like OPCOs or other public support mechanisms.
b. Operational Constraints
On-the-job training often requires utilizing critical operational resources, such as workspaces, equipment, or experienced mentors. These interruptions can result in financial losses or require activity reorganization, complicating the implementation of structured training programs.
c. Lack of Time and Resources
While many companies have the internal expertise to establish training academies, they often lack the time or organizational capacity to formalize these initiatives. Aligning with structured frameworks such as AFEST (Workplace Training Actions) can become an administrative burden.
3. Opportunities: Structuring for Success
a. Embracing an AFEST Approach
AFEST provides an effective framework for workplace learning. This method structures learning paths around real professional activities while incorporating reflective phases to ensure optimal skill assimilation.
For example, companies can empower mentors and supervisors to become active participants in training. With the right tools, businesses can track every learning step, create tailored assessments, and structure protocols to meet funding requirements.
b. Leveraging Technology
Platforms like Daylindo can centralize data related to on-the-job training. These tools enable businesses to document acquired skills, generate compliant reports for funding entities, and streamline the management of training processes.
c. Maximizing Funding Opportunities
Funding is an often-underutilized resource. By structuring training paths around recognized occupational standards, companies can make training hours eligible for programs like Pro-A or professionalization contracts.
d. Highlighting Societal Impact
Structuring on-the-job training goes beyond financial benefits; it contributes to employee development and reintegrates job seekers into the workforce. Companies can transform individuals into skilled professionals, creating a positive societal impact.
For instance, a hospitality company addressing staff shortages implemented an intensive training program. Over two months, eight job seekers were trained in practical culinary skills. The outcome: all participants were hired on fixed-term contracts, with some transitioning to permanent roles.
4. Conclusion: A Win-Win Strategy
To address the challenges of on-the-job training, businesses must rethink their approach. Structuring, documenting, and optimizing workplace learning not only improves cost-efficiency but also fosters a positive learning environment for employees and society at large.
Solutions like Daylindo play a pivotal role in this transformation by providing the necessary tools to support companies in their training initiatives, paving the way for sustainable growth and development.