on-the-job

[on-thuh-job, awn-]

adjective

1. done, received, or happening while in actual performance of one's work.

   on-the-job training.

Word History and Origins

Origin of on the job¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Idioms and Phrases

At work, busy, as in We've got three men on the job . [Late 1800s]

Paying close attention, alert, as in Trust Jim to find out the details—he's always on the job .

Example Sentences

They recalled tales of labor abuse and on-the-job injuries, including permanent blindness.

From Salon

"I believe in on-the-job training, but not as the mayor of New York."

From BBC

Instead of joining an acting academy in London, as he had planned, Chamberlain received what he referred to as on-the-job training during his more than four years living in England.

From Los Angeles Times

Harvard-Westlake isn’t the only school allowing its students to get on-the-job experience, but the school certainly has put together one of the more sophisticated and professional operations.

From Los Angeles Times

Introduced in 2020, the qualification includes a mixture of classroom learning and on-the-job experience.

From BBC

Related Words

• apprehensive 
• careful 
• cautious 
• cognizant 
• conscious 
• conversant 
• knowledgeable 
• observant 
• respectful 
• solicitous 
• vigilant 
• wary 
• watchful