What is a significant disadvantage of on-the-job training?

On-the-job training involves employees learning while performing their job tasks, which can lead to a significant disadvantage if not executed properly: it may provide poor service to customers. This can occur when trainees lack the necessary skills or knowledge to perform their tasks effectively, leading to mistakes or slower service that can negatively impact customer satisfaction. Since trainees are often learning in real-time rather than in a controlled training environment, mistakes can have immediate repercussions, both for the customer experience and for the company's reputation. Additionally, if a trainee is not adequately supervised, they might reinforce incorrect practices, further diminishing service quality.

Other options do not adequately address the primary drawbacks associated with on-the-job training. For instance, fostering group collaboration can be beneficial and is not inherently a disadvantage. The involvement of expert trainers is an advantage that can enhance the training experience, and while on-the-job training can lead to improvements in productivity, there is no guarantee; in fact, early errors made during this type of training can lead to inefficiencies.