How To Fold a T-Shirt: TWI Job Instruction

By Lean Leaper

March 5, 2021

In this updated video from the 2013 LEI archive, Josh Howell demonstrates and explains the Training Within Industry Job Instruction steps—revealing why TWI JI plays a vital role in implementing standardized work and encouraging lean thinking.

Check out this new and improved demonstration video explaining Training Within Industry’s (TWI) Job Instruction (JI) and standardized work. Initially published in 2013, we’ve enhanced it with visual effects, audio editing, and more.

Repeatedly demonstrating while explaining the steps of a process is critical to acclimating workers to standardized work. The TWI JI method applies this idea being implemented in real-time. With the right coaching, the process can improve delivery times, more engaged and happy workers, and more. Managers and supervisers can apply the method to various kinds of work, from car manufacturing to T-shirt folding.

The four steps of TWI are:

Prepare the worker
Present the job
Try out the job
Follow-up

But merely looking at TWI JI as four simple steps is easier said than done, as Josh Howell shows with his detailed and directive instructions. This re-visit to the 2013 video from the LEI archive is as relevant as ever and serves as a reminder that lean principles and ideas are always contemporary.