ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Florida Turnpike Enterprise is a governmental organization with approximately 65 employees at its headquarters. We met with the Performance Development Coordinator to discuss the attendance and engagement levels in their current training sessions, which cover topics ranging from basic to advanced Microsoft applications. The coordinator expressed an interest in increasing attendance and engagement by modifying the delivery method of these three-hour training sessions.  

THE CHALLENGE

This development effort wasn’t restricted to specific departments or roles. Training sessions provided by Knack Training were open to all employees, many of whom frequently registered for multiple programs throughout the year. The ultimate goal was to foster an environment where employees could take ownership of their learning needs and gain a comprehensive understanding of the necessary skills by the end of each session. 

STEPS TAKEN

With extensive knowledge in curriculum and design, Knack developed a new training delivery system to keep learners informed, engaged, and to extend learning beyond the training period. 

We developed a new engagement-based training delivery system. Before creating session materials, we send a pre-session survey to potential learners. The survey responses shaped the content and level of the training. After analyzing the results, we establish four learning objectives that guide the session overview. This document details the session, including its objectives, descriptions of each section, and key takeaways for learners. A guide is provided for learners to review before and after session. A week before the session, we emailed the overview and guide to the learners. 

The training includes built-in breaks and engagement activities based on its length. Each session begins with an introductory engagement where the instructor sets expectations, discussed in breakout rooms. This allows learners to interact and set goals. After each content section, learners engage in activities matching the skills they just learned, working in breakout rooms while the instructor provides assistance.

By the end of the training, learners will have had up to four breakout sessions to practice new skills hands-on. To conclude, learners are encouraged to complete a post-session survey and provide feedback. A follow-up email is sent with the overview, completed files, and any materials created during the breakout sessions.

THE RESULT

This approach empowers employees at Florida Turnpike to take responsibility for their learning needs and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the skills by the conclusion of each training session. Essentially, this engagement style ensures that each session is tailored to be skill-specific for the attending learners. There has been an increase in attendance and skill mastery since the inception of the new training system.