On-the-job training

On-the-job training means you gain skills and knowledge, and earn money while you are in a job.

Who can do on-the-job training?

: You can mix working with training on the job

On-the-job training may be an option if:

you are in a job
you want to build on your current knowledge and qualification
you are not part of an industry covered by an industry training organisation (ITO)
your employer is keen for you to build on your current knowledge or skills.

What are the benefits of on-the-job training?

Benefits of on-the-job training include:

earning money while gaining new skills
gaining skills that will help you perform better
increasing your chances for a promotion and job security.

How can you get into on-the-job training?

There are many ways to enter on-the-job training. The two most common ways are:

1. You decide on a qualification or course and speak to your employer about whether they might be willing to support your study or allow you some time each week to study.
Most employers prefer that you do some research and come up with good reasons to be trained. You need to demonstrate that you can juggle study and work priorities.

2. Your employer wants you to get qualified in a certain subject area and proposes to pay for, or subsidises the course fees.

What is expected of you?

Once you start the course, you will have to juggle learning, working and spending time with family/whānau and friends, as a lot of courses will probably be in the evening.
Before you decide to do on-the-job training, discuss it with family/whānau and friends and let them know why this is important for you. Their support is essential and makes this experience much easier for you.
If learning and working at the same time gets difficult, speak to your employer or education provider about support options as soon as possible.

What does on-the-job training cost?

Often, large organisation offer financial support to their employees for professional development. Speak to your employer about your options and find out what can be done for you. You may be able to get a student loan. Check this with your educational provider.

Your employer may pay or subsidise your course fees if it relates to your job. Course fees vary.

Find out more about the costs and ways of funding