Cheaper, faster, better learning for over 50,000 employees in the UK government’s largest e-learning programme
Jobcentre Plus assesses and pays complex social security benefits to UK claimants. It sought to reduce expensive training costs for recruits with a new programme of tailored learning modules, blending classroom-based learning with state-of-the-art e-learning. It invited tenders for the supply of these modules to its specification.
PA offered more. Besides building the e-learning modules, it proposed to equip Jobcentre Plus with processes and tools to make it self-sufficient in the development and maintenance of e-learning. This approach was high-risk – and unprecedented.
PA procured an e-learning development system and configured it to develop the initial learning required. PA trained Jobcentre Plus learning designers to use it to create successful e-learning modules in-house. Over 350 hours of new material were developed in just ten months, including 100 hours of e-learning. It amounts to the largest e-learning programme ever undertaken in UK government, and one of the largest in Europe.
The project’s expected return on investment (ROI) is over 500%, with net annual savings estimated at over £12 million, achieved mainly through reducing training costs. Some 600 classroom trainers have been released, and time taken to develop each hour of e-learning material has decreased by 30%. In total, 90,000 fewer days are spent in training each year, and trainee performance is reportedly improving.
Jobcentre Plus relied on PA to provide programme management expertise and to identify, develop and prove the technical solution. No other consultants offered the client the opportunity to become self-sufficient in developing high-quality e-learning material. The most pleasing aspect is actually what the client can now do for itself as a result of this project.
