What is the term for practical training on the job that is supplemented by theoretical instruction?

The term that best describes practical training on the job that is supplemented by theoretical instruction is apprenticeship. An apprenticeship program typically combines hands-on work experience with classroom-based learning, allowing individuals to gain practical skills in a specific trade or profession while also understanding the underlying theory and concepts that support their work. This dual approach is critical in many skilled professions, such as electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry, where both practical skills and theoretical knowledge are needed for success.

In contrast, an internship may focus more on providing work experience without necessarily including structured training and classroom instruction. Vocational training usually refers to specific training for a career that may involve practical elements but does not necessarily imply a direct combination with theoretical study in the way an apprenticeship does. On-the-job training typically involves practical skills being developed in the workplace but lacks the structured theoretical component that characterizes apprenticeships. Thus, apprenticeship is the most comprehensive term for this kind of training experience.