I am trying to incorporate an On the Job training program for our key hire job functions. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can do some research on development of OJT Programs or can you provide me with any of your own "lessons learned".

I found this book very helpful.
Structured On the Job Training by Robert L. Jacobs.

I write structured OJT courseware for aviation companies. Another book to consider is "Improving On-the-Job Training and Coaching" by Karen Lawson (in the ASTD store).

One issue to consider as you develop a program is the need to have a Train the Trainer course so the trainers understand the standard you want them to impart to the trainees. Having standardized guidance is a definitely plus to any OJT program.

There's a good article by a couple of guys in the water industry which can be found:

On-The-Job Training: Harder Than It Looks

From memory on of their key messages is don't just hand your OTJT to your most experienced staff. OJT as Bravo points out must include guidance or better still training of trainers - this is primarily in teaching/training/instructional processes rather than content including how (and who) will be responsible for evaluating progress.

The use of OTJ trained trainers is similar to the use of SMEs.......you primarily become an expert through your own experience and learning from mistakes.........rather than hearing about others. We also tend to forget our own (sometimes painful) learning experiences......having learnt to drive is no guarantee that you will be any good at teaching someone to drive.....trying to be a driving instructor was a salutary lesson for me!

Hope this helps.

Jack

Abster, let me mirror what neuge wrote. An OJT program is only as good as those who will be teaching it. So while the message contained in the OJT might be great, if it is presented by someone with average speaking ability and (typically) no understanding of communication styles, learning theory, questioning techniques, etc. your training will be reduced to the lowest common denominator. So the suggestion of a Train The Trainer is extraordinarily well timed and right on the mark.

There are a good number of Train-The-Trainer companies out there, so do your homework, though not as many that offer OJT focused TTT. Poke the link below if you think I can be of any further help.

Regards,

Del Laughery
President, Instructional Dynamics