NTB

On-the-job training and supervision

Policy Statement: Employers can shape and determine the required skill sets and mentor trainees/apprentices as they acquire the relevant skills through on-the-job training. The training must be under the supervision and direction of a Supervisor of Apprentices who must be approved by the National Training Board, as required by Section 26 of the National Training Board Act, 1997.

The Supervisor of Apprentices is responsible for the day to day guidance of the apprentices and trainees in matters related to their occupation at the workplace where the apprentices and trainees are regularly employed. If the National Training Board is not satisfied that the Supervisor is competent to discharge his duties and responsibilities toward the apprentice or trainee, it must advise the employer of the training the supervisor must undertake before he is appointed.

On the completion of the two year academic training, the trainee must seek employment with an employer who will provide on-the job training to complement the academic part of the programme to qualify for national certification.

The responsibility for training of the individual rests with:

• The trainee, who must adhere to the training programme and demonstrate the commitment to training and devote the time and effort to be successful in his chosen occupation;
• The supervisor of apprentices and trainees training, who must support the trainee on the job by providing guidance and assistance to enable the trainee to achieve the required skills; and
• The Training Officer of the National Training Board, who is responsible for protecting and promoting the welfare of the trainee and ensuring that the trainee is receiving the agreed training to qualify for national certification.

On-the-job assessment

Policy Statement: It is the responsibility of the Training Officer of the National Training Board to undertake an on-the-job assessment of the trainee to confirm that the necessary competencies in the skills are being demonstrated.

The Training Officer, who is responsible for the welfare of the trainee, should undertake an assessment and evaluation to confirm that the trainee is receiving the required on-the-job training. If, during the assessment, there is a violation of the safety standards, the trainee is advised and the assessment continues. For a second violation, a warning is issued and on a third violation, the assessment is terminated and a report prepared. Copies are given to the trainee and the supervisor and a copy is filed at the National Training Board. The trainee must be allowed to correct the deficit after which a reassessment will be taken.