Why might a business prefer on-the-job training over off-the-job training?

A business might prefer on-the-job training primarily because it allows for immediate productive output. This training method involves employees learning while they perform their job tasks, which means that as they acquire new skills, they can apply them right away in a real work environment. This dual benefit not only enhances the learning process but also contributes to the business's productivity from the outset, as trainees can start contributing to the team's output almost immediately.

In contrast, off-the-job training often requires employees to step away from their daily responsibilities for a period of time, which can lead to a temporary decrease in productivity. While other aspects such as resource requirements and structure are also relevant to the choice of training methods, the immediate application of skills and resultant productivity is a particularly compelling reason for businesses to opt for on-the-job training.