REDCOM MIDWEST Participates in Pilot at Reserve Center
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060728-02
7/28/2006
By Eva Kowalski, Training Support Center, Great Lakes Public Affairs
GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- The Center for Naval Leadership (CNL) introduced the workspace trainer (WST) qualification program to focus on improving communication and raising the quality of instruction during on-the-job training (OJT), July 24-28.
The program was piloted at the Chicago Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) located at Great Lakes, Ill., by 26 reserve, active-duty and full time support (FTS) Sailors stationed at each of the NOSCs that make up Navy Reserve Readiness Command Midwest (REDCOM MIDWEST).
“OJT is based on subject matter expertise, but the WST teaches instructional technique,” said Stephen Berk, integration team leader, Instructional Delivery Continuum (IDC), CNL, Norfolk, Va. “We’re teaching people to listen actively, to get feedback from people and to analyze it.”
OJT is an important method of training utilized by the Navy, particularly with junior Sailors who rely on OJT when they first report to the fleet. The WST program is a Revolution in Training initiative designed to help achieve optimal performance in the fleet by improving the channels of communication through which information is transmitted and received.
During the week-long workshop, the REDCOM MIDWEST FTS, active-duty and reserve apprentices were assigned primary trainers who have an instructional background, and in most cases, a master training specialist qualification, to guide them through the stages of the WST qualification process.
“The program covers elements of effective communication, where people practice active listening techniques, including body language, posture, raising your energy level and asking questions as a student,” said Berk, adding that the program is available to all Navy commands and provides certification upon completion.
The apprentices also participated in listening exercises with their trainers and worked in groups to discuss and deconstruct the behavioral learning process.
“This program will help improve active/reserve integration,” said Chief Personnel Specialist (SW) Carey Dietsch, assistant department head and leading chief petty officer of operations and training for REDCOM MIDWEST. “It also improves safety and operational management, enabling Sailors to communicate more effectively.”
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Gretchen Vermeylen, who is an active-duty FTS Sailor, said the program will enable Reservists to get more involved with training at her NOSC in Lansing, Mich. “This program provides good guidelines on how to perform training.”
Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Fredrika Phillips, who is a reservist at the same NOSC, has been designated as a primary trainer. “I conduct on-the-job training every day because I’m a special education teacher, but this definitely improves my ability to teach and learn, not only in the military, but in my civilian life, as well,” she said.
“Reservists have to teach general military training. This will provide them with training technique so that they can provide more effective instruction,” said Berk.
For more information on the WST qualification program, visit https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/page?paf_pageId=pg14920015 and log on to Navy Knowledge Online (NKO).
For related news, visit the Naval Personnel Development Command/Task Force EXCEL Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/tfe/.
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