OJT means On the Job Training.
OJT in an EASA Part 66 Basic Training course is an integral part of the course, along with classroom study and Module examinations as per the Part 147-approved programme, and Practical Training also as per the Approved course.
OJT must be arranged, structured and monitored by the Part 147-approved organisation that is delivering the Basic Training course, by means of a contract with a Part 145-approved Maintenance Organisation where the OJT will be carried out. The training must cover every area of the aircraft, and the trainee must be assessed by properly qualified and authorised assessors.
In your case ICAT is responsible for making sure that this happens, as a part of the course.
You should make sure that this is what you are going to get. Some Part 147-approved Training Organisations, and the Colleges they "lend" their approvals to to provide an EASA Basic Training Certificate outcome (as well as a BTech or whatever) operate what is nothing short of a scam, by selling what appears to be the full course, and then telling students they must arrange their own OJT. The UK CAA have tended to connive at this; perhaps they still do.
The outcome of a Part 147-approved Basic Training course is an EASA Basic Training Certificate in the Category of the examinations you have passed. That can only be issued after completion of the full course, ie including the OJT.
The Basic Training Certificate then forms part of your documentation when you apply for your licence after completion of the required work experience (2 years for a B1.1). Only when you have the full licence is it worth getting a type rating.
Do not confuse OJT with work experience.
OJT is structured, monitored and assessed training, with an instructor, carried out on live aircraft.
Work experience is experience obtained as a working mechanic under supervision, not training, which you carefully record in a verified logbook as evidence that you have done it.
Good Luck!
Last edited by Capot; 25th Jul 2012 at 11:31.