Training Within Industry

Training within Industry – or TWI for short – was a US program during World War II. It significantly improved industrial production and helped the Allies to win the war. While technology has changed a lot since 1945, people have not. The methods of TWI still work, and can really help you to improve.

The 5 Needs

TWI considers five important skills that every supervisor should have, or what they call the five needs of a supervisor. These are all improved by using them in practice, but a theoretical training can give a head start. These five skills are also usually the starting point for each of the different modules.

• Knowledge of the Work: This may relate to machines, tools, materials, operations, processes, or technical skills.
• Knowledge of Responsibilities: This may be policies, regulations, interdepartmental relationships, agreements, rules, schedules, and – very important – safety rules.
• Skill in Improving Methods: To utilize machines, manpower, and material more effectively. Nowadays we would say to reduce waste (muda).
• Skill in Instructing: To have a well-trained and effective workforce.
• Skill in Leading: Improve your ability to work with people to get the most out of the people you have.

TWI: Job instructions

The process works well with pretty much any type of work, but it is best done one-on-one, as it was intended. It is not well suited for classroom teaching of larger groups; the trainer does need to invest time and attention to every individual student.

How to Get Ready to Instruct

• Have a Time Table: How much skills you expect them to have, by what date?
• Break Down the Job: List important steps, pick out key points (safety is always a key point).
• Have everything ready: The right equipment, material, and supply.
• Have the Workplace Properly Arranged: Just as the worker will be expected to keep it.

How to Instruct

Step 1: Prepare the Worker:

• Put them at ease.
• State the job and find out what they already knows about it.
• Get them interested in learning the job.
• Place in correct position (so the learner can see the instructor).

Step 2: Present the Operation

• Tell, show, and illustrate one IMPORTANT STEP at a time.
• Stress each KEY POINT.
• Instruct clearly, completely, and patiently, but no more than they can master.

Step 3: Try Out Performance

• Have them do the job, correct errors.
• Have them explain each KEY POINT to you as they does the job again.
• Make sure they understands.
• Continue until YOU know they know it.

Step 4: Follow Up

• Put them on their own. Designate to whom they go to for help.
• Check frequently. Encourage questions.
• Taper off extra coaching and close follow up.