HRM textbook

CHAPTER 8 TRAINING AND DEVELOPING EMPLOYEES 255
Apprenticeship Training
Apprenticeship training is a process by which people become skilled workers, usually
through a combination of formal learning and long-term on-the-job training. It traditionally
involves having the learner/apprentice study under the tutelage of a master
craftsperson. When steelmaker Dofasco discovered that many of their employees
would be retiring during the next 5 to 10 years, the company decided to revive its
apprenticeship training. Applicants are prescreened. New recruits then spend about
32 months in an internal apprenticeship training program, learning various jobs
under the tutelage of experienced employees. 43
The U.S. Department of Labor s National Apprenticeship System promotes
apprenticeship programs. More than 460,000 apprentices participate in 28,000
programs, and registered programs can receive federal and state contracts and
other assistance. 44 Figure 8-2 lists popular recent apprenticeships.
Informal Learning
Surveys from the American Society for Training and Development estimate that as
much as 80% of what employees learn on the job they learn through informal means,
including performing their jobs on a daily basis with their colleagues. 45
Although managers don t manage informal learning, there s still much they can do
to ensure that it occurs. Most of the steps are simple. For example, Siemens Power
Transmission and Distribution in Raleigh, North Carolina, places tools in cafeteria areas
to take advantage of the work-related discussions taking place. Even installing whiteboards
with markers can facilitate informal learning. Sun Microsystems implemented
an informal online learning tool it called Sun Learning eXchange. This has evolved
into a platform containing more than 5,000 informal learning items/suggestions
addressing topics ranging from sales to technical support. 46
Job Instruction Training
Many jobs (or parts of jobs) consist of a sequence of steps that one best learns stepby-step.
Such step-by-step training is called job instruction training (JIT). First, list
the job s required steps (let s say for using a mechanical paper cutter) each in its proper
sequence. Then (see the following page) list a corresponding key point (if any) beside
each step. The steps in such a job instruction training sheet show trainees what to do, and
the key points show how it s to be done and why.
As an example, when training new UPS drivers to park and disembark, the company
leaves nothing to chance. Among the steps it teaches new drivers are these: Shift into the
FIGURE 8-2 Some Popular
Apprenticeships
Source: www.doleta.gov/oa,
accessed July 3, 2009.
The U.S. Department of Labor s Registered Apprenticeship program offers access to 1,000 career
areas, including the following top occupations:
Able seaman
Carpenter
Chef
Child care development specialist
Construction craft laborer
Dental assistant
Electrician
Elevator constructor
Fire medic
Law enforcement agent
Over-the-road truck driver
Pipefitter
apprenticeship training
A structured process by which people
become skilled workers through a
combination of classroom instruction
and on-the-job training.
job instruction training (JIT)
Listing each job s basic tasks, along with
key points, in order to provide step-by-step
training for employees.