GROUP TRAINING
Orientation Training
In group training, trainees receive training in
one large group. This method allows a large
number of people to learn at the same time,
thereby reducing the time devoted to training. The
instructors use training aids, demonstrations,
lectures, and group discussions, which increase
the effectiveness of the training. However, this
method is effective only for information that does
not require a lot of “hands-on” practice with
complex processes or equipment.
THE SCHOOLHOUSE METHOD
Trainees of the schoolhouse method attend a
specially organized Navy or civilian training
course. This method of training is highly effective,
but the person must frequently accept temporary
additional duty (TAD) at another location to
attend the course. Thus, the command loses the
individual for the duration of the training. That
drawback, coupled with the expense of sending
the person TAD, reduces the effectiveness of
this method. Commands can make it effective,
however, by using a few people to teach many.
That is, commands can send a few people TAD
to learn new skills; after those people return, they
can then teach the skills to their shipmates.
THE IN-HOUSE TRAINING
METHOD
The best training method is an in-house
training program that combines the apprentice-
ship, group, and schoolhouse methods to meet the
needs of your command.
Any effective training method requires care-
fully planned and properly scheduled lessons.
When developing lesson plans and setting up
schedules for in-house training, remember two
important elements. First, the larger the volume
of information, the more time the trainee will
require to absorb it. Second, the speed at which
people learn varies, though given enough time and
enough practice, most people can learn any skill.
Through systematic training people can learn jobs
in a fraction of the time normally required
through self-study. Planning ensures the trainee
will receive in-house training in everything
required to perform the job. Scheduling provides
the time needed for training.
The Navy uses four types of in-housetraining:
orientation, on-the-job, refresher, and career or
professional development training.
Orientation training is designed to acquaint
Navy personnel with their new organization, their
place in the organization, and the part the
organization plays in carrying out the Navy’s
mission(s). Every person entering an organization
or unit for the first time needs orientation
training. Before people can become enthusiastic
about their work, they must know something
about the organization and feel a sense of pride
in being a part of it. Generally, new people are
apt to be more attentive, open-minded, and eager
to learn than the “old hands”; and what they
learn is more likely to remain indelibly fixed in
their minds. Therefore, a good orientation is
important to new people.
On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training teaches Navy personnel
how to do the jobs to which they have been
assigned. Since that is among the most important
training supervisors do, they must conduct it with
great care. Careless or indifferent training could
result in higher operating costs; in extreme cases,
it could prevent mission accomplishment or cost
someone his or her life or a limb. Untrained
personnel are the most expensive individuals on
the Navy’s payroll. Untrained people always cost
more in dollars and operational capability than
a trained, mission-capable person, The cheapest,
most cost-efficient way to train new personnel is
through a regularly scheduled training program.
Refresher Training
Refresher training helps people keep “up to
speed.”
It enables people to brush up on
knowledge and skills they already have but do not
use often. It also teaches them about any changes
in methods or techniques. Refresher training takes
place after people have completed job training.
Career or Professional
Development Training
Career or professional development training
develops and improves the knowledge, skills, and
abilities of your people to prepare them to fill
positions of greater responsibility. Such training
helps people prepare for advancement even
though it may not relate to their immediate jobs.
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