Training Within Industry (TWI)

What Is TWI and Why Does It Work So Well?

TWI is a time-tested, hands-on system designed to strengthen frontline leadership. Through a structured cycle of instruction, application, and coaching, TWI equips supervisors, team leads, and frontline workers with the tools to build skills, drive consistency, and foster a safer, more productive workplace.

Rooted in real-world practice, TWI focuses on three core pillars: stability, safety, and skill development-ensuring that continuous improvement starts at the ground level and scales upward.

From Wartime Urgency to Global Best Practice

Developed in the early 1940s by the U.S. Department of War, TWI was created to rapidly upskill a wartime workforce during a period of labor shortages and rising production demands. The results were powerful: companies adopting TWI reported faster training times, higher output, fewer defects, and improved morale.

TWI’s effectiveness didn’t end with the war. In the 1950s, it was introduced to Japanese industry, where it helped lay the groundwork for what would evolve into the Toyota Production System (TPS)-one of the most studied and celebrated operational models in modern manufacturing.

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Dave Machovsky, CO Mindset Innovations Consulting

“As a leader, your ability to teach and develop others is one of the most powerful tools in your professional toolkit. Whether you're onboarding a new team member, cross-training seasoned staff, or introducing new technology, the way you transfer knowledge can make or break your team's performance.”

Five TWI programs to activate your results

  • Electrician fixing wires

    Job Safety

    A simple and logical framework explores the accident chain and countermeasures that can be implemented and tracked for success.

  • Two women smiling at computer

    Job Instruction

    Teach supervisors how to quickly train employees to do a job correctly, safely, and conscientiously. Foster process stability.

  • Lab techs collaborating

    Job Relations

    Managers learn how to apply standard work criteria to build positive relationships, boost morale, and work toward continuous improvement.

  • Woman looking at cables

    Job Methods

    Learn how to improve the way jobs are accomplished by assessing details and innovating new methods to test.

  • Man writes on whiteboard

    TWI Problem Solving

    Learn how to work with others using the components of the TWI program to quickly find the root cause of a problem so it can be addressed once and for all.

Common use cases for our TWI program

  • Job Relations training can help reduce employee turnover by equipping supervisors with the skills to build trust, address concerns early, and resolve people-related issues effectively. By teaching leaders how to handle problems fairly and consistently, this program helps create a more respectful, stable work environment where employees feel valued, which leads to improved retention and stronger team performance.

  • Job Instruction can accelerate onboarding and get new hires fully trained in one-third the time. By following TWI’s proven four-step method, supervisors deliver consistent, hands-on instruction that builds confidence, reduces errors, and shortens the learning curve. The result: faster productivity, fewer mistakes, and a smoother path to long-term success.

  • Job Instruction helps reduce mistakes by ensuring every task is taught the same way, every time. TWI’s structured approach helps supervisors break down jobs into key steps and critical points, making it easier for employees to learn and remember what’s important. Consistent training leads to fewer errors, higher quality, and greater confidence on the job.

  • Job Relations focuses on boosting morale by building leadership confidence in team leads and supervisors. This program gives frontline leaders practical tools to handle people issues with fairness and respect—strengthening communication, trust, and accountability. When supervisors feel equipped to lead, teams feel more supported, engaged, and motivated.

  • Job Safety can improve workplace safety by training supervisors to proactively identify and eliminate risks before they lead to accidents. This program focuses on understanding the root causes of unsafe acts and conditions, empowering leaders to create a culture of safety through daily awareness, prevention, and clear communication.

  • Use TWI’s structured coaching approach to build leadership confidence in emerging supervisors and team leads. By providing clear methods for instruction, problem-solving, and people management, TWI empowers new leaders to act decisively and consistently. With hands-on practice and proven frameworks, they gain the confidence needed to lead effectively from day one.

TWI helps companies replenish their workforce through cross-training, upskilling, and reskilling. Address your workforce needs in a way that supports workers and reimagines operational efficiency.

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