Job Aids Basics

Preface

When I first began work as a trainer, I was initially surprised at how useful and effective job aids always seemed to be. Starting out in training, perhaps I was guilty of assuming that if a solution didn't involve formal, structured training as a means of passing on knowledge, it couldn't be effective. Additionally, I really couldn't appreciate the value of something that can be as simple as a laminated piece of paper small enough to fit in a shirt pocket.

In any case, early in my career I tended to view job aids as primarily adjunct or support items to other primary solutions I proposed and delivered. So, it never ceased to amaze me that the job aid often seemed to be as or more effective in producing results than the primary solution. ...