---
id: "claim-on-the-job-preference"
type: "claim"
source_timestamps: ["§ Reskilling Is a Change-Management Initiative"]
tags: ["adult-learning", "training-methodology"]
related: ["concept-train-in-place", "action-integrate-training-into-work"]
confidence: "high"
testable: true
speakers: ["Jorge Tamayo", "Leila Doumi", "Sagar Goel", "Orsolya Kovács-Ondrejkovic", "Raffaella Sadun"]
sources: ["reskilling"]
sourceVaultSlug: "hbr-seg-reskilling"
originDay: 10
articleStem: "hbr-edu-34-reskilling-in-age-of-ai"
sourceUrl: "https://hbr.org/2023/09/reskilling-in-the-age-of-ai"
sourceTitle: "Reskilling in the Age of AI"
---
# Adults prefer and learn better through on-the-job training

**Claim (confidence: high, testable).** Citing a **2021 BCG ([[entity-bcg-d34]]) survey of 209,000 workers**, the authors assert that **65% of adults prefer to learn on the job** rather than in classroom-style situations.

Therefore, the most effective reskilling programs minimize traditional classroom time in favor of **shadowing assignments, internal apprenticeships, and trial periods** built into the flow of work — see [[concept-train-in-place]] and [[action-integrate-training-into-work]].

**Enrichment note.** Directionally strong and consistent with adult-learning research (Kolb; workplace-learning studies) and active/hands-on practice literature. The specific 65% figure is survey-specific and should be cited as such rather than treated as a universal constant.