The mission of the NWS Training Program is to ensure training needs are met in a cost-effective manner by sustaining an efficient and effective workforce. Learn more about Training Division Function, Structure, and Staff

Goals of the NWS Training Program

• Establish a logical, flexible and responsive training infrastructure to quickly translate field training and education requirements into easily accessible, usable and effective training materials.
• Implement an efficient, open and consistent process for defining and establishing priorities for NWS training requirements.
• Create an integrated model for defining required knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform job tasks. These definitions will be easily accessible and understood by users, and are used by the trainers as the template for development.
• Develop annual implementation plans (IPs) for training and science support to ensure responsiveness to field requirements and to sustain the high level of science and technical infusion required to maintain the high forecast standards of the NWS.
• Create a process to facilitate rapid response to new or changing training priorities within any fiscal year. Identify requirements that cannot be met due to resource limitations or additions to training priorities and raise to upper management.
• Establish an effective evaluation process to ensure that staff are reaping the intended benefits of training. Involve local supervisors in assessing the impact of training on job performance and providing feedback to the Team.

NWS Training Sites

NWS Training Center (NWSTC) provides job-centered training in meteorology, hydrology, management, electronic maintenance, computer systems and related activities. NWSTC offers residence courses and workshops, computer-based and Web-based self-study tutorials, work aides, and audio-teletraining via the Web .

Forecast Decision Training Branch (FDTB) was originally envisioned as a broad effort to affect meteorology education and training in the United States. The program has expanded to enhance meteorology education in universities and meteorological services worldwide. One of the primary means to meet this objective was the development of an Education and Training Group. This group designs and produces teletraining, classroom instruction, case studies, and Web- and CD-based learning modules.

Warning Decision Training Branch (WDTB) develops and delivers training on the integrated elements of the warning process within an NWS forecast office. Training activities provide basic and advanced WSR-88D operator proficiency, with an emphasis on the integrated data environment, warning methodology and situation awareness.

Meteorology Education & Training (MetEd)

NWS Training Portal

National Training Plans

The procedures used by the NWS Training Program are described in the National Strategic Training and Education Plan (NSTEP). Training activities for the current and previous fiscal year are found in the Training Implementation Plan. Click on the links below to access these documents. For more accessible versions of the TIP, please email us.