Toyota, the car manufacturer, is finding new ways to train its staff. They have implemented an engaging e-learning course to help deliver training on Standardised Work procedures at its Derby plant, using tools created by knowledge=power, the e-learning specialists. Training specialists at Toyota estimate a cost saving of at least 60% on training delivery per trainee against trainer's time.
The course was created by members of Toyota's training team using knowledge=power's alto™ development software. knowledge=power provided training to the developers in using the software, plus additional support where necessary, to provide the developers with the skills they needed to create the course. Joe McGrath, Senior Specialist, Development Department at Toyota, said: “alto™ has enabled Toyota (UK) Development to distil some of our philosophies and key skills into user friendly packages which are easily accessible and guarantee repeatable results.”
The course is aimed at shop floor Team Leaders, who are responsible for implementing Standardised Work, although the training team at Toyota are expecting that the course will also be used by more senior staff as a refresher.
The new e-learning course is combined with a workbook and includes practical exercises, which involve seeking out information from the shop floor. The course is part of Toyota's plan to introduce more just-in-time training in the organisation. While some classroom training on Standardised Work is still being run, the e-learning course is being used with those employees who cannot attend the classroom groups, and as a refresher for others who have already been through the classroom course. In time the workbook-supported e-learning will replace classroom training for all but those employees who are on an advanced programme.
The training team at Toyota has worked closely with management to get senior buy-in to the e-learning course. Personal invitations were sent out to senior management and their Japanese counterparts to engage them in a lunchtime, hands-on demonstration of the course. The team is now providing demonstrations to the Senior Group Leaders and Group Leaders, as well as promoting the course with posters around the company and in the training centre.
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