Job Instruction Training: A Comprehensive Overview

Job instruction training (JIT) is a widely recognized and effective method for training employees in various industries. This article explores the concept of JIT, its benefits, and its implementation process by drawing insights from reputable sources such as ERIC, MBA Skool, and Ag Safety and Health.

Definition and Nature of Job Instruction Training

Job instruction training is a systematic and straightforward approach to on-the-job training. It involves a supervisor or an experienced coworker guiding a new employee through a series of steps to perform a specific task or job. JIT is particularly suitable for teaching manual skills or procedures that require relatively low skill levels.

Benefits of Job Instruction Training

JIT offers several advantages for organizations and employees:

  1. Real-Time TrainingJIT provides training in real-time, based on the actual workplace environment. This allows trainees to observe and gain hands-on experience under supervision, enhancing the effectiveness of the training.
  2. Reduced Wastage and AccidentsProper training through JIT helps reduce wastage and accidents by ensuring that employees are trained correctly and safely, minimizing errors and potential hazards.
  3. Versatile ApplicationJIT can be used to train both new employees and existing workers who need to learn new technology or processes, making it a versatile training method.
  4. Practical and Realistic TrainingThe main advantage of JIT is that it provides practical and realistic training in real-life settings. This encourages personalized and hands-on learning, which is more effective than traditional classroom-based training.
  5. Targeted TrainingJIT allows for personalized training, enabling organizations to focus on areas of improvement specific to the job or task, ensuring that training is tailored to the specific needs of the employees.

Steps of the Job Instruction Training Method

The JIT method consists of four key steps:

  1. PreparationThis step involves creating a positive learning atmosphere, evaluating the learner’s existing knowledge, and emphasizing the importance of job safety.
  2. PresentationThe trainer lists and demonstrates each step of the task individually, stressing key points while the learner observes. This step provides an opportunity for interaction and clarification.
  3. PerformanceThe learner is given the opportunity to complete the steps of the process while explaining the key points. If the learner cannot explain the key points, it indicates a lack of understanding, and the trainer repeats this step until the learner can successfully explain and complete the task.
  4. Follow-UpThe trainer monitors the learner’s performance as they complete the steps and corrects any actions before they become habits. The trainer also provides a means for follow-up by designating a contact person for assistance and encouraging the learner to ask questions as needed.

Conclusion

Job instruction training is a valuable tool for organizations seeking to provide effective and efficient training to their employees. Its simplicity, practicality, and focus on real-time, hands-on learning make it an ideal method for teaching manual skills and procedures. By implementing JIT, organizations can enhance employee competence, reduce errors and accidents, and improve overall productivity.

References

Key Facts

  1. Definition: Job instruction training (JIT) is a form of on-the-job training where a new employee is trained step by step by a supervisor or coworker.
  2. Suitable for manual skills: JIT is especially suitable for teaching manual skills or procedures that require relatively low skills.
  3. Real-time training: JIT provides real-time training based on the actual workplace, allowing trainees to observe and gain hands-on experience under supervision.
  4. Reduces wastage and accidents: Proper training through JIT can help reduce wastage and accidents by ensuring employees are trained correctly and safely.
  5. Training existing workers: JIT can also be used to train existing workers about new technology or processes.
  6. JIT planning: When planning to conduct JIT, it is important to choose an effective trainer, identify an appropriate location and time for training, and determine the information to convey to the workers.
  7. Steps of the JIT method: The JIT method involves four steps: preparation, presentation, performance, and follow-up. These steps ensure a positive learning atmosphere, individual step listing and demonstration, worker performance with explanation, and monitoring and correction of actions.
  8. Benefits of JIT: The main advantage of JIT is that it provides practical and realistic training in real-life settings, encouraging personalized and hands-on learning. It also allows for personalized training and easy focus on areas of improvement specific to the job.
  1. Kelly, M. (2002) Job instruction training: A checklist. Retrieved from http://migashco.com/cambrian/JIT.html.
  2. Job instruction training. (2014) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/70638/job-instruction-training.
  3. Pfau, R. H. (1988). Job Instruction Training. ERIC Digest.
  4. Job Instruction Training – Definition & Meaning | HRM Overview | MBA Skool. Retrieved from https://www.mbaskool.com/business-concepts/human-resources-hr-terms/15445-job-instruction-training.html.

FAQs

What is job instruction training (JIT)?

JIT is a step-by-step, on-the-job training method where a supervisor or experienced coworker guides a new employee through a series of steps to perform a specific task or job.

What are the benefits of JIT?

JIT offers several benefits, including real-time training in the actual workplace, reduced wastage and accidents due to proper training, versatility in training both new and existing employees, and practical, hands-on learning that is more effective than traditional classroom-based training.

When is JIT most suitable?

JIT is particularly suitable for teaching manual skills or procedures that require relatively low skill levels.

What are the steps involved in the JIT method?

The JIT method consists of four key steps: preparation, presentation, performance, and follow-up.

What happens during the preparation step of JIT?

In the preparation step, the trainer creates a positive learning atmosphere, evaluates the learner’s existing knowledge, and emphasizes the importance of job safety.

What is the purpose of the presentation step in JIT?

During the presentation step, the trainer lists and demonstrates each step of the task individually, stressing key points while the learner observes. This step provides an opportunity for interaction and clarification.

How is the performance step conducted in JIT?

In the performance step, the learner is given the opportunity to complete the steps of the process while explaining the key points. If the learner cannot explain the key points, the trainer repeats this step until the learner can successfully explain and complete the task.

What is the importance of the follow-up step in JIT?

The follow-up step involves the trainer monitoring the learner’s performance and correcting any actions before they become habits. The trainer also provides a means for follow-up by designating a contact person for assistance and encouraging the learner to ask questions as needed.