Main Navigation
Five Reasons Employers Should Consider On the Job Training for New Hires
Attracting and retaining qualified employees is a seemingly never-ending challenge for Gulf Coast business owners. The 2022 Global Talent Shortage Report from ManpowerGroup found skilled worker shortages are at an all-time high, with 75% of employers reporting they can’t find workers with the skills needed to perform jobs effectively. To address this challenge, employers need innovative solutions that not only fill skill gaps but also align with their business goals. On the job training (OJT) programs are a powerful tool to train new employees while enhancing the productivity and sustainability of a company’s workforce. Here are five reasons employers should consider launching an OJT program.
- Bridging the Skills Gap
One of the most common challenges faced by employers is finding candidates with the right skills for the job. For employers in the Houston metro area, it can be difficult to find employees qualified to fill roles in the region’s top industries—energy, manufacturing, health care, and hospitality—even when there is a surplus of candidates. As industries evolve and technology advances, the demand for specific skill sets usually outpaces the supply of qualified workers. OJT programs can be tailored to meet the needs of the company, which bridges skills gaps and ensures that new hires are equipped with the precise skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. - Reduce Recruitment Costs
Recruiting and onboarding new employees is expensive and time-consuming. For small- to mid-sized companies, these costs can be a major operational and financial burden. Working with a partner like Workforce Solutions to build an OJT program offers a cost-effective alternative to recruiting for specialized roles. Some employers will qualify for partial wage reimbursement and other benefits during the training period, including:- Up to 50% wage reimbursement for up to 10 weeks (or 400 hours)
- An average of $3,000 reimbursement
- Dedicated employee coaching that helps new hires through onboarding and provides feedback and guidance to the new hire based on employer feedback on performance
- Candidate search and placement services to help find motivated new hires
- Increased Employee Retention
High turnover rates are costly for many reasons, including disruptions to productivity and increased training costs. OJT plays a crucial role in employee retention by giving employers and new hires a structured trial period where they can evaluate whether the position is a good fit. With dedicated employee coaching, OJT gives employees a framework for success and makes it more likely they will successfully navigate their new role, have a better experience, and stay onboard after the program. Formal check-ins are provided with the employer and employee every 30-, 60- and 90-days, as well as whenever needed in the first 90 days. - Customized Training
Customized OJT programs allow you to create training programs that are tailored to your company’s requirements. Whether it’s mastering specialized machinery or adhering to industry-specific safety protocols, OJT ensures that your employees receive training that is directly relevant to the intended role, making them more effective and efficient on the job. - Improved Productivity and Quality
Ultimately, the goal of any training program is to enhance productivity and the quality of work. OJT offers hands-on learning experiences that empower employees to apply what they’ve learned immediately. This practical approach not only accelerates the learning process but also results in better outcomes for your business. Employee coaching adds an additional layer of new hire assistance to the program, and you can work with coaches to reinforce skills and improve work quality during the 90-day new hire period.
OJT programs are a scalable, customizable training solution that can keep new hires around well past the onboarding phase. To start an OJT program at your company, email talent@wrksolutions.com or call 713-688-6890!