The full form of OJT is On the Job Training.

On-the-job training is instruction for employees that takes place at work. OJT typically involves a combination of observing others and hands-on experience completing tasks under the supervision of a training manager, coworker or outsourced professional trainer.

When undergoing OJT, you learn the processes and procedures your employer uses. You may also learn how to operate any equipment, tools or machinery required for your position. Part of OJT may include job shadowing or observing an experienced employee perform certain job tasks.

The purpose of OJT is to prepare you for your position. The instruction and hands-on practice you complete as part of the training can help you develop the skills, competencies and knowledge you need to carry out your role at the company or organization. When OJT is complete, you should be able to perform most or all of the tasks for your position without supervision.

Students may not have any previous experience in a certain role or industry, so their on-the-job training may be much more extensive. In some cases, students complete OJT during their academic instruction at a technical high school, college or university.

For example, some schools encourage or require students to complete internships in which they receive hands-on experience in their desired career path and earn school credits. Students may also complete extensive on-the-job training in their first job after graduation.

In addition to learning practical procedures and skills for their role, students may also learn general workplace standards in their first positon. This includes professional norms like dress code, company hierarchy, productivity expectations, industry jargon and professional relationships with coworkers.