What is TWI and Why is It So Effective?
TWI is a dynamic and proven process of hands-on learning, practice, coaching and certification. It develops frontline supervisors, team leaders and workers as the foundation for sustainable results in the workplace. TWI consists of core programs that build skills, stability and safety.
TWI started in 1940 with the United States Department of War and operated within the War Manpower Commission until 1945. It was developed to meet the high demand for wartime materials from a smaller and less experienced workforce. Over the course of World War II, the companies putting TWI in place increased production, reduced labor, scrap and training time and saw grievances drop dramatically.
The United States brought TWI to Japan in the 1950s where it became the foundational component of the Toyota Production System (TPS), which has been studied and written about extensively.