Training, work experience, etc., which involves accompanying and observing a person at work for a short period in order to gain understanding of or receive training in such work.
Origin
1970s. From work + shadowing.
Definition of work shadowing in US English:
work shadowing
nounˈwəːkˌʃadəʊɪŋ
British
Training, work experience, etc., which involves accompanying and observing a person at work for a short period in order to gain understanding of or receive training in such work.