Jobs with on-the-job Training

Many professional level positions require extensive on-the-job training.

To attain a coveted position, a job seeker needs the right combination of education and experience. Once the position is secured, many types of positions provide additional training --- such as classes, self-paced instruction, internships, orientations and supervised on-site experience --- to meet the employer's specific needs.

Medical

A number of medical jobs require some prior education or certification yet also provide moderate to extensive on-the-job training --- which generally involves working informally under the supervision of a professional, such as a pharmacist or department supervisor. Pharmacy technicians perform administrative tasks and help pharmacists prepare medications; medical transcriptionists transcribe audio recordings of doctors' medical notes; and personal and home care aides provide for a comfortable environment (in the home or in a live-in facility) for the infirm or elderly. To fill a need for specialized operating room nurses, since 2005 the Southwest Washington Medical Center has provided extensive internship and orientation programs to "grow their own" registered nurses.

Trucking and Construction

Many trades and blue collar jobs provide extensive on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs. As of February 2011, trucking companies like Pam Transport provide a complete CDL (commercial driver's license) training program for newly hired drivers. Many construction-oriented companies provide long-term on the job training for electricians, heating and air conditioning mechanics, welders, pipefitters and plumbers.

Retail and Restaurant

Many retail and restaurant jobs are entry level and attract inexperienced candidates with a customer orientation and a willingness to learn. These employers provide orientations and a combination classroom and self-paced instruction. Once these are completed, the on-the job training begins: newly hired staffers are usually paired with experienced employees who guide the new hires on the specifics of the job --- taking orders, serving food, running a register and completing sales.

Financial Services and High Level Sales

Many professional-level financial services and sales positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Once in the position, these firms provide extensive training for their sales and marketing staff in the companies' specific products and services. This could include a combination of in-class sessions, self-paced instruction, certifications and online courses.

Public Service and Safety

Many public safety positions --- including police officers, sheriffs and firefighters --- may require some prior education like an associate's degree. These positions also require extensive training, which includes a combination of physical and mental exams. Many police academies cover topics in civil rights, self defense, accident investigations and state laws. For firefighters, formal training may cover emergency medical technician certification as well as fire science topics, including equipment use, fire prevention, local building codes, search and rescue, and hazardous materials management.

References

• CareerBuilder: 7 Jobs in Health Care That Require Moderate Training
• "The Seattle Times" NWjobs: Hospital Internship Program Provides on-the-job Training for Operating Room Nurses
• CareerBuilder: Pam Transport Job Description
• JIST Publishing: The 25 Best Jobs Requiring Long-Term on-the-job Training
• policeofficersteps.com: Becoming a Police Officer - Cop, Homeland Security and FBI Training
• Education-Portal.com: Fireman Training Programs and Requirements