Conducting Pre-Meetings with Trainees

TeamOJT Tip of the Month for April, 2006

A positive OJT experience begins with trainers orienting learners to the instruction to come. Before any training occurs, the trainer and trainee should have a pre-meeting to discuss the requirements of the OJT program, acquaint the learners with their individual training plans, and try to reduce any anxiety the trainee may have about the training program. Everything that is expected of the learner should be communicated up-front. Reducing anxiety can shorten learning time significantly, lower training costs, reduce absenteeism and tardiness, and decrease waste, and lower production costs. Scheduling and conducting this pre-meeting with the learner should be the first action carried out by the trainer.

Materials to Bring to the Pre-Meeting

Training modules and cover sheets.
Trainee Performance Report Form (see page 123 of Training On the Job by Diane Walter.
OJT Completion Record (see page 125 of Training On the Job by Diane Walter).
Training Schedule.
Trainee certification records if applicable.

Agenda for the Pre-Meeting

Explain why training is needed.
Present the series of training modules (and cover sheets) the trainee will learn.
Verify prior skills, knowledge, and experience of the learner.
Explain cover sheets and performance objectives.
Discuss trainee evaluation process.
Present the record-keeping forms: Trainee Performance Report Form; OJT Completion Record; Training Schedule, and trainee certification records if applicable.
Review Five-Step OJT Cycle, especially the trainee actions for each step (see pages 174-181 of Training On the Job by Diane Walter).
Explain trainee responsibilities in preparing for each training session.
Discuss job safety and quality issues encountered in the job and/or facility.
Develop training schedule.
Ask for questions and explain where to get help.

Human Performance Applications
Phone: (206) 447-0860
FAX: (206) 447-3410
E-mail: diane@teamojt.com