Flair Process
Contrast Training has developed a proven training process, the Flair Process, which is implemented for large complex rollouts and migration projects. We believe that by adhering to our Flair Process a number of benefits can be gained. We can be an integral part of a project team, take responsibility for the implementation of a training project, ensure users are trained effectively and be on hand for post training support, all of which contribute to a successful training project.
Our team manages the whole lifecycle of the training project to ensure that the training implementation runs smoothly and in line with timelines, budgets and the client’s key requirements.
There are eleven key components to the Flair Process, each step is detailed below:
1. Integration
A training consultant is incorporated into the project team and their function is to act as an integrated member of the team and key co-ordination point between the client and Contrast Training. Our training consultants will gain an understanding of how the client’s business functions and how the different business areas operate.
Communication is a key part to the successful implementation of a new business system or project. Contrast Training will ensure that the client is informed of progress during the project lifecycle and raise any issues that could affect the project timeframes to the project teams immediately.
2. Learning Process
Working alongside the project team the training consultants will ascertain how the new software, project or training initiative will be utilised within the business, from both a system and process perspective. All meetings will be documented and project data amalgamated to create a project training bible.
The training consultant will liaise with the appropriate key users within the business and observe their existing processes. This ensures that all consultants understand the transition undertaken when implementing new systems and processes, and guarantees that all change management be considered within the training.
3. User Acceptance Testing
During User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Contrast Training will assist in writing test scripts, training users for testing purposes and providing additional support where required. As Contrast Training becomes part of the UAT process, this will enable us to fully appreciate how the new systems will work, as well as observing how users handle the new software. This knowledge is invaluable in producing a tailored course that is relevant to the user.
4. Courseware Development
Contrast Training can produce a range of courseware, from Quick Reference Guides to in-depth Reference Manuals. Our knowledge of the client and their business is used to customise the documentation and to ensure that relevant and pertinent business examples are used throughout. Our integration with the project team guarantees that any software customisations or standard group policies will be recognised and included within the documentation.
5. Course Design
Contrast Training believes that a key component of a successful implementation is to ensure that users are confident in handling the new software and applying their new business knowledge.
Working as an integrated member of the project team and having frequent contact with key business users enables Contrast Training to determine the appropriate course content and duration. Contrast Training can provide short presentations, workshops or one-to-one sessions prior to the implementation of the training project, allowing users to view the software, and notify them of any business critical changes that may affect them.
The end user training is tailored to each project and will generally be implemented on a departmental or job role basis. A key part of the training process is to ensure that the users are confident in handling the new software or embracing the new training initiative, therefore Contrast Training place great emphasis on re-enacting everyday activities during training. Contrast Training also believe that exercises are key to ensuring that the users have the opportunity to discover the software for themselves.
6. Train the Trainer
Prior to the implementation of projects Contrast Training will ensure that any additional training consultants are put through a Train the Trainer programme. This ensures a wide depth of knowledge within the team, providing backup if required and ensuring that there is no impact to the project due to illness or holidays.
7. Course Scheduling
At Contrast Training we pride ourselves on our efficient administration process. Courses will be published in advance to ensure that all users are aware of which courses are taking place. Comprehensive joining instructions will be issued to ensure all users know which course they are attending, as well as details of the course objectives and topics. We will liaise closely with the business manager to ensure any departmental resource issues are dealt with and incorporated within the training plan. A full training timetable will be provided to the project team, so that everyone is aware of all training taking place and implementation timeframes.
8. Training Delivery
The courses are delivered as close to the implementation date of the project as possible to ensure greater information retention. The training is carried out in small groups and where appropriate will be organised by individual ability levels or job roles. This information is gathered with the help of contacts within the business and a comprehensive TNA.
9. Evaluation
Evaluation forms are completed post-training both by the delegate and the trainer. These are used to continually monitor the quality and effectiveness of the training course and to swiftly address any issues that may arise.
As part of our quality procedures at Contrast Training these evaluation forms will be reviewed by our Training Manager and a full post evaluation assessment carried out.
10. Post Training Support
Contrast Training can provide post training support in the form of floorwalking which has proved invaluable to our clients. After users have attended their training course there are always some aspects that require further attention and floorwalking provides “just in time” support. It can also provide the following benefits:
- One-to-one hands on tuition for users who cannot be away from their desks for long periods of time.
- Flexible times and dates to fit in with users’ diaries.
11. Feedback
On completion of the project Contrast Training will arrange a post implementation review meeting with the project team to discuss feedback and the success of the training project.