Job Instruction Training Part 3

This is the third post in a four-post series on Job Instruction Training. Recall, the method has four main steps:

1. Prepare the Worker

2. Present/ Demonstrate the Job/ Operation

3. Try Out Performance

4. Follow-Up

In Part One, we talked about the first step of the process, “Prepare the Worker.” We discussed the nuances of preparation, putting the trainee (and the trainer!) at ease and finding that magical “teachable moment.” In Part 2, we focused on the second step, “Demonstrate the Job,” which starts with having documented Standard Work or Job Breakdowns and a skilled instructor who both knows the job, and is certified to train, This step begins the initial knowledge transfer to the worker. In Part 3, we will discuss the process of having the learner “Try Out Performance,” where the learner has the opportunity to attempt the job tasks and demonstrate what they have learned while still under the watchful eye of the instructor.

Overview of Step 3 “Try Out Performance”

The process of having the learner try out performance should follow directly after Step 2, “Demonstrate the Job”. The instructor should have a copy of the Standard Work or Job Instruction Breakdown, and should ensure that the learner has the appropriate safety equipment, tools and is positioned correctly to perform the work. Once ready, the instructor and learner will follow the following four step process:

1. Have the worker do the job (SILENTLY) and correct errors immediately

2. Have the worker explain the Major Steps (Work Elements) while doing the job again (What)

3. Have the worker explain the Key Points while the job is done again (How)

4. Make sure the worker understands the Reasons for the Key Points as the job is done again (Why)

Let’s Talk About the Job Instruction Training Method…

Before we can start training, we need to have a documented standard for how the job is done, which is the Job Breakdown (or full standard work). We need a qualified trainer (the teacher), and a learner (the worker, or employee). The method itself is fairly straightforward, rather prescriptive, and has four main steps:

1. Prepare the Worker

2. Present/ Demonstrate the Job/ Operation

3. Try Out Performance

4. Follow-Up

We will focus on the first of these steps, which when done well, sets the stage for successful transfer of knowledge and the acquisition of skills.

Let’s Talk About the Job Instruction Training Method…

Before we can start training, we need to have a documented standard for how the job is done, which is the Job Breakdown (or full standard work). We need a qualified trainer (the teacher), and a learner (the worker, or employee). The method itself is fairly straightforward, rather prescriptive, and has four main steps:

1. Prepare the Worker

2. Present/ Demonstrate the Job/ Operation

3. Try Out Performance

4. Follow-Up

We will focus on the first of these steps, which when done well, sets the stage for successful transfer of knowledge and the acquisition of skills.