NASA Lessons Learned: Space Shuttle Program/Operations-Processing/Workforce #1064

PLLS Database Entry: 1064

Lesson Info

• Lesson Number: 1064
• Lesson Date: 01-feb-1999
• Submitting Organization: HQ
• Submitted by: David M. Lengyel

Subject/Title/Topic(s):

Space Shuttle Program/Operations-Processing/Workforce #1064

Description of Driving Event:

Workforce Training Shortfalls Have the Potential to Jeopardize Safety

Lesson(s) Learned:

Shortfalls in workforce training within both NASA and USA, caused by downsizing and the related difficulty of hiring new people to fill skill shortages, can jeopardize otherwise safe operations.

Recommendation(s):

NASA and USA should review critical skills training and certification requirements and institute programs to ensure the full proficiency of the workforce and the safety of the products being released.

Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness:

NASA concurs in the recommendation and, in cooperation with USA, has already reviewed certification requirements for flight controllers, training instructors, and other key operating positions. Training plans and certification requirements for critical positions have been documented and maintained. For example, the management role in launch countdown and landing is supported by a well-defined training and certification plan. NASA and its contractors are continually reviewing critical skills training and certification requirements to ensure controls are in place to validate and ensure employee proficiency. Quality initiatives are being developed to provide improved processes for cross training, automated training tools, inline automated certification validation, and enhancements in the closed loop verification of operators and system operational performance.
Meanwhile, training capacity for new employees, both NASA and contractor, has been increased through intensive simulator training at a new USA “training academy.” A saturation-type training environment has been designed to improve training at the beginning of the regular certification process and produce employees better qualified for critical process work.

In training and orientation programs, NASA emphasizes the priority of safety and the responsibility of employees to voice their concerns about inadequate assurances of safe products.

Applicable NASA Enterprise(s):

• Human Exploration & Development of Space

Applicable Crosscutting Process(es):

• Manage Strategically
• Provide Aerospace Products & Capabilities: Implementation

Additional Key Phrase(s):

• Administration/Organization
• Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
• Ground Operations
• Human Resources & Education
• Policy & Planning
• Safety & Mission Assurance

Approval Info:

• Approval Date: 19-dec-2001
• Approval Name: Bill Loewy
• Approval Organization: HQ
• Approval Phone Number: 202-358-0528