: of, relating to, or being something (such as training or experience) learned, gained, or done while working at a job

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web That sort of on-the-job training has become largely a thing of the past in today’s fragmented and constantly churning TV landscape, with writers shuffling from one short-term gig to another, often taking on second jobs to make ends meet. Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2023 Twenty-five participants will receive free college coursework in Child Development, paid on-the-job training at MAAC’s Early Learning Centers, and other support including tutoring, technology and job training. Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2023 Unlike in the United States and United Kingdom, graduates in Turkey do not need to pass certification exams or complete on-the-job training to become an engineer. Nimet Kirac, New York Times, 4 May 2023 Mentorship and coaching support both the 70% and the 20% of learning; they can be tailored to suit on-the-job learning and collaborative learning experiences. Matthew Reeves, Forbes, 3 May 2023 Modeled after the Police Cadet Program, the initiative offers Boston residents two-year, paid civilian positions that includes classroom and on-the-job training, according to Mayor Michelle Wu’s office. Kate Armanini, BostonGlobe.com, 1 May 2023 The activist group Gig Workers Alliance said on-the-job deaths and injuries among gig workers are almost certainly undercounted because the companies are not obligated to report such incidents to government agencies for workers who are not direct employees. Alexandra Olson, Fortune, 1 May 2023 Working with love Volunteers join the Freyerim group in ninth and 10th grade and receive on-the-job training in agriculture from the farmer being helped and older volunteers. Judith Segaloff, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2023 Tides plans to use its grant to offer paid on-the-job learning opportunities and to create new entry points into the behavioral health field for workers of color. Dan Mcgowan, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'on-the-job.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of on-the-job was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near on-the-job

Cite this Entry

“On-the-job.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on-the-job. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

on-the-job

adjective
: received or learned while working at a job
on-the-job training
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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