What is “guided-on-the-job training”?

There are several ways to define training: of course, the "traditional" way of following a course with a group and in a classroom; and increasingly, with online training modules. Planned training through guided-on-the-job training is a different modality of training, at the workplace, and in a structured way.

It is different from the usual on-the-job, informal training. "Guided-on-the-job training" is a training activity which is aimed at specific objectives and precisely defined skills; it is planned and arranges work situations to fulfil learning purposes.

What kind of testimonies and contributions are we looking for?

The AEFA France team that initiated this call for contributions is interested in gathering information that will allow us to better understand what is out there in terms of "guided-on-the-job training" in other European countries.

A variety of contributions and testimonies may be useful for this research:

• Examples of existing practices in companies,
• Applicable provisions, regulations, legal provisions,
• Published studies dealing with this topic.

Please note:

• this research focuses in particular on the VET system for adult employees;
• “work-based learning” related to apprenticeships for young people in IVET is not directly relevant to this research;
• We are not looking for an equivalent of the French system described below: in particular, it can be assumed that in many cases the "formalisation" of informal learning is not necessarily defined by law

Why are we looking for contributions?

This call for contributions concerning on-the-job training, in the sense of formal training (planned, structured, etc.) in European countries, was initiated by the AEFA France team. The team is carrying out work to facilitate the development of this type of training, particularly for employees of small companies. Examples of existing practices and arrangements in other European countries will enrich its work and publications.

A few words regarding on-the-job training in France: since a 2018 reform, the law recognises on-the-job training (called "AFEST" in France) as a training action in its own right, provided that a certain number of criteria are met (which also opens up possibilities for companies to finance these actions).

These criteria are:

• a defined training programme and objectives in terms of skills,
• a training action contact person and a tutor,
• planning of training times and design of work situations for learning purposes,
• the integration of reflection into the training course (with exchanges between the trainee and the tutor on ways of doing things),
• assessment of learning outcomes.

You will find below our first guide translated in English version to learn more about the AFEST (guided-on-the-job training) and the legal French framework !

he following guide proposes an objective methodology for implementing formal on-the-job
training. Rather than focusing on the educational aspects, it details the key steps of implementing
AFEST programmes within a company or organisation, based on a coherent, logical approach.
This study proposes a working definition of this teaching method, viewed from three distinct
angles:

• A legal approach whereby AFEST is a fundable training scheme.
•  A national approach summarising existing practices at French companies.
• The European dimension, outlined below.

Many thanks in advance!

You can answer directly on this form, or by email : francois.lenne@agence-erasmus.fr or v.joseph@centre-inffo.fr .