Just in Time Training (JIT) is a term used to refer to training that takes place on an incident in which students are actual responders. The purpose of this type of training is to improve an individual’s performance, understand how their position interacts with other members of the team, and to develop a deeper understanding of their assignment.
During the Deepwater Horizon MC 252 Incident, this technique has been used to address both section and individual responder needs and proves to be very effective. Most of the individual training provides an overview of a specific position, rather than meeting all the course requirements to obtain a certificate. This allows for reduced training time and meets the immediate needs of many responders. When certificate awarding training is requested, an expanded training schedule is required. Students who take certifiable courses while serving as a responder on the Deepwater Horizon Incident are sure to gain a vast array of knowledge and experience and in some cases may be able to fill out their PQS for a specific ICS position.
The key to Just in Time Training is the need to allow for schedule interruptions. It is imperative that instructors recognize that students do not have full control of their availability for training. The more flexible the instructors are, the more successful the course is. In addition, instructors must be prepared for the premature disappearance of students. Some individuals may be reassigned several units into the course, while others may miss entire sessions during the week’s schedule, making it difficult to keep them registered in the course. Although it is understood that this situation is not the student’s fault, do not make exceptions for certifications. Bending the schedule is one thing, but not following Coast Guard or course attendance requirements cannot be allowed.
Another key to the success of a Just in Time Training course is the instructor’s ability to use the exercises as a guide, rather then following them exclusively. This type of training is an excellent opportunity to take the concepts of course exercises and immediately integrate them into their response assignment. In several instances at the Deepwater Incident exercise products have been incorporated into actual incident products. In other cases, the course products demonstrate and then trigger an incident need.
The success of Just in Time Training is heavily dependent upon the flexibility of responder’s supervisors and instructor’s willingness to change the course schedule with little notice. Both the students and the instructors must be fully committed to make this training style successful and effective.