Workplace experience, the missing link?

Vocational training usually is conducted in two main parts:

off-the-job training, where the fundamentals, knowledge and skills are delivered
on-the-job experience where this knowledge and skills are put into practice

To become 'experienced' or 'competent' a trainee or apprentice requires extensive real world experience in a variety of workplace environments. This facilitates the transfer of the skills into the real world of work.

Application

Vocational training is usually conducted in these two areas:

off the job training
on the job experience

This has been the basis of the traditional apprenticeship, where the master tradesperson instructed the apprentice in the fundamentals, then guided them through the application of the knowledge and skills as part of the normal work day. As the confidence and skill level of the apprentice grew, the level of supervision and need for close guidance diminishes. Eventually, the apprentice achieves the required level of competence to be granted admission to the trade.

These principles apply to every job. All jobs require experienced people.

This fundamental model exists today, except that the role of trainer is often split between a specialised skills trainer, college or school, and an experienced trainer at the workplace. Usually the off-the-job training facility has a variety of assessment, record keeping and follow-up processes to manage the student in their care. The missing link is the record keeping and analysis of the workplace experience.

Skills-Tracker® solves this problem by providing a simple process to collect, analyse and present on-the-job workplace experience.