The GOES-R program is developing a new series of satellites that will be used for NOAA‘s environmental analysis, warning and prediction operations. User training for NOAA staff and education of NOAA's many partners are critical to the success of current and future satellite programs. The needs for training and education activities are captured in NOAA's Strategic Plan as part of establishing a “World Class Workforce”. The challenges to NOAA and its partners are many as we try to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change and to keep users informed and trained on these changes. If we fail in this critical endeavor, NOAA and its partners face the prospect of being unprepared for the next Environmental Emergency!

Many changes are underway due to NOAA's evolving programs:

- Provide real-time support from the Earth's surface through the atmosphere to space weather

- Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) program is growing within NOAA and with its national and international partners.

- Major new approaches and products are provided for users in support of the evolving needs of the U.S. and other countries for environmental information and predictions.

- Ability for users to interface with and manipulate data and products is evolving rapidly. These changes are seen in the increase in gridded digital products produced by NOAA Offices.

- Innovations in decision aid/image processing software are being developed. Examples are available with advanced radar algorithms and in other disciplines.

- Merging of products from multiple sensors (surface, aerial, space based) into an integrated world-wide system (GEOSS).

- Seamless merging of data/products/services is underway with systems such as Advanced Weather Information Processing System (AWIPS) and Google Earth. Keys to success are products with standardized formats and geospatial reference systems available across a wide spectrum of applications and platforms. This ready access to NOAA products is critical to decision makers at all levels especially during crisis situations.

NOAA is taking several steps to prepare its staff and its partners for these changes as its satellite programs continue to evolve:

- Build a GOES-R Proving Ground that incorporates all new data and products.

- Continue cooperative training and education programs that provide materials that reach a broad audience.

- Use innovative distance learning approaches that include a blend of multimedia and simulations.

- Build and enhance partnerships with key stakeholders:

* Government agencies at all levels

* Academia with Cooperative Institutes and Programs, Universities and K-12

* Commercial sector including media

* International communities especially WMO, EUMETSAT and other satellite providers

* Engage users – Monthly satellite training activities - international weather briefings