of the maintenance tasks they will ultimately be required
to perform. Most of the hands-on training ETs receive
comes at their first duty stations. As a shop supervisor,
you are responsible for providing the extra training the
new ET will require to become a competent, technically
skilled technician. You can do this by using a
combination of the following training methods:
1. On-the-job training (OJT)One of the most used
and easiest ways of providing training
2. Personnel qualifications standards (PQS)A
method of developing the ability of a person to stand a
watch or maintain a piece of equipment
3. Formal shipboard trainingThe best way to train
large groups of people, but requires more effort and
preparation than the two preceding methods
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
This is by far the simplest and easiest way to train.
It can be used almost anytime the shop supervisor
desires. Showing a new ET how to perform an hf
transmitter alignment, how to perform rf power
measurements, and how to perform a receiver sensitivity
check are all examples of OJT. When used wisely, OJT
allows new ETs to gain the hands-on experience under
operational conditions that could not be acquired at a
formal school. You perform OJT many times a day
without ever thinking about it. By emphasizing OJT, you
will be able to increase the technical competence of your
new personnel in a shorter time. Although you can use
OJT informally, you should also schedule it as part of
your shops in-rate training program.
Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS)
The PQS system was discussed earlier in chapter 1.
We will now show you how you can use the PQS system
in training your personnel. You can use PQS as a method
of training or qualifying new personnel reporting
aboard. You can also use it as a method for cross-training
and requalifying experienced personnel. The concept of
standards for personnel qualification is not new in the
Navy. For many years, various forms of qualification
standards have been in use. Observing the performance
of new technicians in a shop routine helps the shop
supervisor decide when the technicians are ready to
stand a watch or work on equipment by themselves. The
first lieutenant applies a similar approach to hands-on
performance evaluation in the qualification of
helmsmen and boat coxswains. The detailed checkoff
list approach to watch
submarines has been used
station qualification in
for many years with great
success. By developing a step-by-step watchstanders
PQS for a particular installation, you can ensure that any
new ET reporting aboard will receive all pertinent
information. The Personnel Qualification Standards
developed to date have been very beneficial as an
element of a well-managed unit training program.
The success of the PQS program in your division or
shop depends upon you. To make this program a success,
you must take the following steps:
1. Have and maintain an adequate PQS reference
library of technical, procedural, and rate training
manuals.
2. Effectively manage the overall division or shop
training program.
3. Have a program to prepare work group
supervisors as PQS qualifiers, Supervise and assist
designated PQS qualifiers.
4. Have realistic individual qualification goals and
time limits.
5. Monitor individual qualification progress.
Formal Shipboard/Shop Training
The most difficult training to perform is that aboard
ship or in a busy maintenance shop. There are many
variables to consider when you attempt formal training
aboard ship. First, consider the preparation required for
presenting a formal class. Four factors you must
consider when you prepare for a formal training session
are as follows:
1. Are adequate up-to-date lesson plans or
instructors guides available?
2. Can the presentation be scheduled at a time that
will give maximum attendance?
3. Is there an adequate location available to use as
a classroom?
4. Is there a method available for measuring class
achievement?
The following paragraphs discuss each of the four
factors listed above.
1. Availability of lesson plans. If lesson plans or
instructor guides (IGs) are available, you should
carefully screen them to be sure they contain the topics
you want to present and all of the points you want to
emphasizethe need-to-know material. If lesson plans
or instructor guides are not available or are inadequate
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