The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word HANDS-ON
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
H
A
N
D
S
-
O
N
More clues leading to the result HANDS-ON
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HANDS-ON mean?
HANDS-ON adjective- Involving active participation.