There is no substitute for on the job training.

By Tony Huppert, CEO of Team Oil Inc.

Years ago when I was in my prime, many years ago, it was customary to find a job and be taught a skill. Friends of mine would become masons by starting out as labors. They would dig footings, carry blocks, mix mud, learning the trade from the ground up. They would receive a pay check while learning a trade.

The same goes for electricians, farmers, convenience store employees, mechanics, the list goes on. Everybody seemed to learn the basics before they were moved up the ladder. Then as they perfected the trade or job they would teach the next group of trainees. Everyone was starting from the bottom learning the job and then going on to teach the future replacements while receiving a pay check  It was called ‘on the job training’, no student loans to pay, and a pay check for your accomplishments.

Now times have changed, employers are mandated to pay increased wages and fringe benefits that force the total package for a trainee so high, the employer either only hires skilled employees or automates. Either way everyone loses.

Students ‘ pay to learn’ what they used to get ‘paid to learn’ years ago. Besides from the money issue, the basics will not be taught. The strongest building sits on the strongest foundation. The strongest employee has mastered every segment of their skill through dedication and hard work.

Two important points to remember, there is no substitution for cubic inches and there is no substitution for “on the job training.”

Tony Huppert is a Wisconsin businessman of 40 years and CEO of Team Oil Inc., the family-owned and operated Team Oil Travel Center, and Subway in Spring Valley, Wis.