Vocational and continuous on-the-job training

Paulette Dunn-Smith, Contributor

JAMAICA HAS in the recent past paid some attention to vocational training resulting in improved levels of productivity which should, in turn, improve our competitiveness. But, we also need to know where we are in comparison with other countries so that we can plan to make improvements in areas where we are weak.

One factor that we can measure is our competitiveness. Jamaica was ranked 89 out of 133 countries in terms of competitiveness, defined by the Global Competitiveness Report as the "set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country". These include areas such as infrastructure (roads and transportation), health and primary education, market size, banking services, economic stability, innovation, higher education and training.

The level of productivity sets the level of prosperity or how much income a country can earn. The higher the level of productivity, the higher the income levels of individuals in the country. So this week, we turn our attention to vocational and on-the job training as these areas impact directly on workforce productivity.

Educated workforce

An educated workforce is critical to the development of a country. A worker with a basic level of education is only able to carry out basic, simple manual tasks and will find it very difficult to adapt to advanced production techniques in today's workplace. Workers with secondary and tertiary-level education, on the other hand, can add much value to the labour force, as they are able, because of their level of education, to adapt quickly to the rapidly changing working environment which has become increasingly technological. Quality higher education and training is therefore extremely important if the country is to move beyond simple means of production.

Studies across the world have shown that vocational education and continuous on-the-job training are critical for ensuring the continuous upgrading of workers' skills to the changing needs of the evolving economy. Let us look at both areas. A strong vocational system can be that catalyst for significant changes in our economy. What then is vocational education? The concept of vocational education is one that is dynamic, always changing, as it reflects the changing environment in which we live and work. In its most basic form, vocational education refers to training which prepares people for work. Vocational training, however, goes much deeper than that. Training should make a significant change in an individual's life, preparing him or her to become a productive member of society.

Vocational education

There are four major points to note in vocational education:

1. First, it is an educational activity which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to perform a particular job or profession in the workplace. Vocational education is a right of all citizens in a country, not for a few.

2. Second, vocational education has theory and practical components but with a greater emphasis on the practical component. Many Jamaicans even at the political and executive levels strongly believe that vocational education is comprised exclusively of the practical component, "his head can't take book learning, so it is better that he learn a trade". This is a myth that has to be dispelled. Indeed, people need a sound academic education to apply practical skills. Both areas are important.

3. Third, vocational education has a very strong technological dimension to it. Technology is used in every line of business. Those in the vocational education business should therefore seek to integrate technology in the teaching and learning process, whether in a classroom setting or on-the-job context.

4. Fourth, vocational training has a clear labour side to it, not only because of the technical content but also because it prepares people to get involved in certain employment and work-related activities.

Vocational training can take place in many places, informally as working on a project in your home, formally as in a training institution and on the job as in a company. On-the-job (OTJ) training refers to training at the place of work while the employee is performing the actual task. Usually, a professional trainer (or sometimes an experienced employee) serves as the instructor, and uses principles of learning such as repetition, relevance, transference, and feedback. Quite often OJT is supported by formal classroom training. It is worthy to note that most skills are not learned in an institutional setting, the best place to learn is while the individual is on the job.

This type of training is one of the best methods there is, as it is planned, organised and conducted at the employee's worksite. It is usually the primary method used to broaden employee skills leading to increased productivity. It is particularly appropriate for developing proficiency skills that are unique to an employee's job, especially those using a special type of equipment or facility. It has even been found that staff morale, productivity and professionalism tend to be higher in organisations which have a sound OTJ programme.

The workforce has to be constantly reskilled in the frequently changing technologies. Workers no longer retain jobs for life, so they must acquire core as well as superior technical skills that will allow them to adapt quickly to different settings. This is achieved through OTJ training programmes.

Keep sending in your comments and questions you wish to have answered. I look forward to hearing from you. Paulette Dunn-Smith is an international trainer and workforce development expert. She is the executive director, Dunn, Pierre, Barnett & Associates Ltd & chairman, Caribbean Career and Professional Development Institute. Contact her at pdunn@dpbglobal.com or www.dpbglobal.com.