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 feature on digital craftsmanship.

And what are the advantages for employees? Today, no one has to go back to school to expand their knowledge: E-learning ("electronic learning") allows any learning content to be easily conveyed via the internet . For example, employees can learn about occupational safety measures through video tutorials, or journeymen can attain master craftsman qualifications with just a click of the mouse.

E-learning benefits both companies and employees : Firstly, it eliminates long commutes to training institutions, as knowledge is primarily imparted online. This significantly reduces absenteeism. Secondly, employees can learn easily anywhere and even in between tasks – for example, during breaks, while commuting, or on their way to work. This is why trainees and young professionals place particular emphasis on modern knowledge transfer via e-learning. But digital learning is also advantageous for experienced employees , as the half-life of their knowledge is constantly decreasing. Furthermore, advancing digitalization is creating a demand for entirely new skills to work more effectively and utilize modern technologies.

Manageable technology

There are various concepts for digital knowledge transfer : from online seminars (webinars) to podcasts and video tutorials, all the way to blended learning methods that combine online and offline instruction. The necessary technical equipment is manageable : a basic office PC, a laptop, or—depending on the e-learning format—a tablet or smartphone is sufficient to access online content. For interactive webinars on a PC, a webcam, speakers, and a microphone, or alternatively a headset, should also be available. Furthermore, a stable internet connection is required—ideally with a speed of at least six megabits per second to ensure that data transfer doesn't 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 want to utilize digital knowledge transfer , there are two options : Professional e-learning programs , for example from chambers of skilled crafts or central trade associations, allow employees to pursue targeted professional development and acquire certificates or master craftsman qualifications. Costs vary depending on the course and its duration. Another option is to develop their own in-house digital learning platform : For this purpose, companies can rent or purchase learning management systems (LMS) on which they can then store their own learning content. Companies can produce such content, like videos, tutorials, instructions, or regulations, themselves, purchase it from professional service providers, or commission its creation.

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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?

While employees don't receive an official qualification from the content they upload themselves , they do gain valuable information relevant to their work. The resources range from onboarding new employees and tutorials on work techniques to instructions for operating tools and machinery. Companies often also upload important laws and regulations to these learning platforms, such as those related to occupational safety or GDPR. To assess learning progress, final online tests are available, for example, multiple-choice questions or free-text fields where employees can formulate their answers freely.

Funding programs and advice

As part of the "National Continuing Education Strategy," the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has launched various funding programs to support companies and employees, for example, by partially covering course costs or providing wage subsidies. Up-to-date information is available online by clicking on "Training Funding" or "Continuing Education Funding." Companies can obtain detailed advice on continuing education measures and funding opportunities from chambers of crafts and trade associations, among other sources.

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.