What ever happened to OJT?
Larry Serflaten
Most schools dont teach everything a person should know to be proficient
in a particular specialty. Thats almost a given! Yet I see endless ads
for EXPERIENCED Engineer, or Specialist, or whatever, and VERY FEW for
entry level, or Junior (this or that).
I realize most companys are trying to be competative and keep their
payrolls down to a minimum, and getting experienced help usually means
getting someone who can perform the job nearly immediately....
But without something of a entry level job base for lower level duties,
finding well rounded, "experienced" individuals is going to get more and
more expensive.
Why should an employer hire on a trainee, only to train them and watch
them leave for a better position? I would have to ask, how is the new
position better? Why isnt the person being promoted within the current
organization? And finally, does it really happen in a high percentage of
the cases, or is that just an excuse?
By training an employee, some amount of loyalty will develop, in that we
all realize training costs money. Most would be grateful for the opportunity
to gain experience and stay on (as conditions permit) for as long as it
is profitable!
Not all bright people come from wealthy famlies, that can afford college.
Likewise, going to college does not always mean that a person will be
exceptionaly good at performing a given task or duty. Hiring at entry level
affords the employer to evaluate the potential of the individual, and usually
at a lower rate than the senior positions request.
The job market has effectively offloaded the cost of training onto the
individual by requiring a certain level of education or experience. The
effect of hiring only experienced or highly trained technicians and
engineers will surely result in an escelating payrate as the costs of formal
training continue to rise. The "trained" applicant will demand more to cover
the debts inccured will recieving an education.
The key to remember is that to a certain extent, wage is always negotiable.
The business is looking to increase their own 'bottom line' while an individual
may be looking to increase their knowledge in a given field. Who says you cant
get a good Systems Analyst at $6/hr. to start? Or programmer, or Administrator
or what have you???
My point being, is the 'On the Job Training' philosophy dead or has it simply
been rated as bad business practice?
BTW: I am looking for a an Entry Level programming position using Visual Basic.
I am just starting to get my feet wet with Web Page design and internet programming.
My training includes 4 years of Vocational (ie. hands on) training specializing
in computers and idustrial controls. I have been in the repair field most of
working career and have many years of 'hobbyist' programming experience. This
includes Database, OLE, and lots of work with games. Currently I'm in a temp-to-
hire position driving a forklift! Minneapolis (and NW subs) employers may contact
me by direct E-mail!