Can classroom training replace on the job training?

Every year companies spend a fortune on training their staff. If companies hire people based on their competency to perform the job for them, then why do they spend fortunes on training their staff? This clearly shows that there is a need for training.

Unlike ‘On the job training’, classroom training (Off the job training) helps us to move to the next level, acquire new skills. This is not possible during your actual job performance. Also one cannot expect to have ‘On the job training’ in all the circumstances like if you enroll into a job during an ongoing project where your team’s first priority is to meet deadlines or during times of crisis in your organization, an on the job training is not viable.

This is where class room training comes in, especially fresher’s who cannot be put directly into the actual job. They have to be given prior job advice. This also gives them a chance to ask questions, give feedback, which is not possible during the actual job performance.

Meanwhile current industry standards are always on the change. This requires a constant up gradation of one’s skills, which again is not possible during the work hours. Thus many employees take a break from their career for learning and undergo career coaching in their job domains and upgrade their skills. Also a higher qualification always goes a long way in helping one’s career growth.

A fresher into the job domain, no matter however brilliant will face some problems while performing the job. This is due to the gap in the educational qualification and the job market requirements. Therefore, a hands on experience aka ‘on the job training’ will go a long way in improving the self confidence and the career growth of the new job entrant.

Classroom sessions can also be used as an informal way of career coaching where one can include many methods like career coaching, networking activities, online sessions, Q&A sessions, encourage feedbacks and also give job tips. All these are not possible during the job, where the focus is only on doing the job.

Therefore while ‘On the job training’ focuses on doing the job, ‘Class room training’ focuses on the finer aspects like performance management, career improvement, career progress, career growth, career guidance, career coaching, job advice and job tips etc.