Page 182 - Encyclopedia of Business and Finance

eobf_C 7/5/06 2:57 PM Page 159

Corporate Education

scheduled classes or those who are uncomfortable in tra- occupations as skilled craftspeople and earn hourly wages
ditional classroom situations. as they learn. Experienced workers train novice employees
The value of an independent-study program is to become, for example, accomplished electricians,
enhanced when used in conjunction with electronic mail, machinists, operating engineers, carpenters, or tool-and-
synchronous chat discussions, asynchronous discussion die makers. These programs usually require a prescribed
forums, and desktop videoconferencing. These tools allow number of hours of related classroom instruction. Exam-
employees to participate in electronic discussion groups ples of coursework include safety, mathematics, schematic
that serve to reinforce learning objectives. Online learning reading, and technical courses to meet particular state or
via the “virtual classroom” relies more on students’ learn- federal licensing or certification requirements.
ing from collaborative discussions and team projects than Other OJT programs are customized for participants
from traditional lectures. As high-speed forms of commu- who have some job-related skills but need to become more
nication become more readily available, CEOs and chief knowledgeable and proficient in a particular trade. As
learning officers or chief information officers of many with apprenticeships, employees benefit because they are
large corporations are encouraging their workforce to be paid to learn. In addition, employers benefit from hosting
trained in online skills. In terms of a forward-thinking OJT programs because they have the full-time services of
public image, these organizations project an aura of famil- motivated individuals who are training to fulfill specific
iarity and competency with cutting-edge technology. This company needs. Participants also include long-time
earns confidence from customers and associates and employees who need to adapt to new technologies and
respect from rivals. procedures to maintain their job security.

Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training. Apprentice- Traditional Classroom Instruction. Traditional classroom
ships are a form of on-the-job training (OJT) where indi- instruction is similar to most postsecondary learning envi-
viduals with little or no experience are prepared for ronments in which an instructor or trainer presents mate-

On-site corporate education class. PHOTOGRAPH BY KELLY A. QUIN. THE GALE GROUP.

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE, SECOND EDITION 159