The GOES-R program is developing GOES-R series of satellites that will be used to support 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 clearly articulated in the NOAA and NWS Strategic Plans through the need to establish and maintain a “World Class Workforce”. NOAA and its partners face many challenges as we try to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change and to keep users informed and trained. If we fail in these critical user readiness efforts, NOAA and its partners face the prospect of being unprepared for the next Environmental Emergency! To ensure that this does not happen , NOAA launched a program called the GOES-R Proving Ground. The GOES-R Proving Ground began in 2008 and has rapidly grown to encompass many operational programs involving many operational offices across NOAA. A critical component to the continued success of the Proving Ground is ensuring that the training and related user readiness activities are effectively integrated in the program.

This talk will review the current status of the NOAA satellite training program. The talk highlights the key steps needed to ensure that training and user readiness is an integral part of the GOES-R Proving Ground program. The satellite training program points to the early successes of working closely with the Proving Ground and will present the key actions coming out of the GOES-R Proving Ground and Training workshop held in Boulder in May 2011. The talk will refer to the benefits of linking with the proposed NWS Operational Proving Ground.

In summary, NOAA is taking several steps to prepare its staff and its partners for rapid changes as its satellite programs, dissemination systems and forecast and warning operations continue to evolve with a focus on Decision Support Services: - Continue building the GOES-R Proving Ground to include all new data and products. - Expand cooperative training programs to provide materials that reach a broad audience. - Use innovative distance learning approaches that include multimedia modules, simulations and social media. - Build and enhance partnerships with key stakeholders: * Government agencies at all levels especially decision makers * 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 via monthly satellite training sessions and international weather briefings * Provide ready access to a broad library of online training materials.