Targeted employee training through e-learning

Industry 4.0: Craft businesses can provide targeted support for their employees with customized training programs. E-learning measures are particularly popular. But how can businesses save time and money with this new form of learning?

This article is part of the special topic Digital Crafts

And what are the benefits for employees? To expand their knowledge, no one has to go to school anymore: E-Learning ("electronic learning") any learning content very easily mediated via the InternetFor example, employees can learn occupational safety measures via video tutorials, or journeymen can access master knowledge with just a click of the mouse. 

From e-learning companies benefit and Employees equally: Firstly, long journeys to the educational institution are eliminated, as the knowledge is primarily imparted online. This significantly reduces absenteeism in the workplace. Furthermore, employees can learn anywhere and in between – for example, during breaks, on the go, or on the way to work. This is why Trainees and young professionals special emphasis on modern knowledge transfer via e-learning. But also for experienced employees Digital learning is a good option, as the half-life of one's own knowledge is becoming increasingly shorter. Furthermore, advancing digitalization requires completely new skills to work more effectively and utilize modern technologies. 

Manageable technology

For digital knowledge transfer there are different concepts: From online seminars (webinars) to podcasts and video tutorials to blended learning measures that combine online and offline teaching. The necessary Technical Equipment is manageable: To access online content, a simple office PC, a notebook, or – depending on the e-learning program – a tablet or smartphone is sufficient. For interactive webinars on the PC, a webcam, speakers, and a microphone, or alternatively a headset, should also be available. In addition, a stable internet connection required – ideally with a speed of at least six megabits, so that data transfer does not become a test of patience.

Checklist: Requirements for e-learning

• The employees have the technical equipment for e-learning: for example, PC, notebook or tablet/smartphone plus internet connection
• The employees have sufficient prior knowledge and experience in the areas of computer application, communication and self-motivation
• Time expenditure and learning objectives for the e-learning measure are clearly defined
• Employees receive constructive feedback on their learning successes
• If you have any questions about e-learning, you will have access to a dedicated contact person.
• All applicable laws are comprehensively taken into account, such as the GDPR

If companies digital knowledge transfer want to use, there are two possibilities: With professional e-learning offerings, for example, from Chambers of Crafts or Central Trade Associations, employees can receive targeted training and acquire certificates or master craftsman qualifications. The costs vary depending on the course and the length of the program. Another option is the Construction own company digital learning platform: For this purpose, companies can rent or purchase learning management systems on which they can then store their own learning content. Companies can either produce the relevant content, such as videos, tutorials, instructions, or regulations, themselves, purchase it from professional service providers, or outsource it. 

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Checklist: Quality criteria for e-learning offerings

• Information: What professional qualifications do participants need to meet? Is there clear information about the content, objectives, technical requirements, costs, and duration of the training program? 
• Standards: What qualifications do the teachers have? Are they licensed under the Distance Learning Protection Act (FernUSG)? Is the DIN standard ISO 29990 (Quality Management System for Educational Providers) adhered to?
• Pre-testing: Can your employees test the learning software/platform in advance to rule out technical issues?
• Support: How does the provider support learners, for example, via video conference, chat, or email? Is there a personal contact person?
• Online exchange: Can participants exchange ideas with each other if they have questions or to share their learning successes, for example in forums or chats?
• Objectives: How will learning success be assessed? What qualification/certificate will be earned through the e-learning program? What will the final exam look like? Are the costs for the exam and/or certificate already included?
• Help: Is there support for technical problems?
• Terms and conditions/termination: Can your employees withdraw from the contract if they realize after a short period of time that their expectations of the e-learning program are not being met?

When learning the self-stored content beckons its own employees no official degree, in return they receive but important informationthat are relevant to their field of work. The possibilities range from training new employees and tutorials on work techniques to instructions on the operation of tools and machines. Companies often also place important laws and regulations on the learning platforms, for example, on occupational health and safety or GDPR. Assessment of learning success are also final online tests possible, for example via multiple-choice answers or via free input fields in which employees can freely formulate their answers.

Funding programs and advice

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has, as part of the "National Further Training Strategy" various funding programs to support companies and employees, for example, by partially covering training costs or providing wage subsidies. Current information is available online after clicking on "Training Funding" or "Further Training Funding." Companies can obtain detailed advice on further training measures and funding opportunities from chambers of crafts and trade associations, among others.

Selected providers of e-learning measures in the skilled trades

Table: As of June 10, 2020. All information is subject to change.

Selected learning platforms for e-learning projects

Table: As of June 10, 2020. All information is subject to change.