There are few industries where technical innovation and development are as exciting and fast-moving as the automotive industry. That means, however, that everyone who touches a vehicle, from technicians and engineers to those working the sales floor, needs to be ahead of the curve so they can act quickly when implementing new systems or tech developments.
In the past, employees would take time off to attend a course or workshop before returning to work to put what they’ve learned into practice. But now, eLearning, especially a blended approach where learning happens both online and in-person, allows employees to immediately practice what they’ve learned. This “learning in the flow of work” methodology is set to save auto companies huge amounts of time and money while keeping productivity on track.
To deliver this type of blended learning, you need a flexible and scalable learning management system (LMS) that can deliver training across auto industry jobs and professions. For example, you may need to upskill technicians in new technologies like electric powertrains or advanced diagnostics. Or maybe you need to instruct employees on using a new system that will enable consumers, technicians and car dealerships to better manage vehicles.
Whatever your specifications, here are some of the functionalities within an LMS that will enable you to deliver training at scale.
Microlearning
Dividing training content into bite-sized modules is based on the microlearning theory that shows that short and repetitive learning increases long-term comprehension and retention rates. It also eliminates the risk of information overload.
Gamification and VR/AR simulations
Using game design principles to make learning more engaging, interactive, and fun motivates learners, improves knowledge retention, and increases the likelihood of their completing a course. For example, sales teams can participate in virtual test drives, and technical staff can practice vehicle repairs in virtual environments before applying these skills in the real world. These immersive learning activities also improve creativity and innovation.
User-generated content
When learners and subject matter experts create and share their own content, it provides real-world insights and diverse perspectives on any topic. This reduces the need for expensive external content development, promotes active engagement in the learning process, and highlights potential gaps in training material.
Adaptive learning through AI
Computer algorithms and artificial intelligence follow the learner’s digital footprint, adjusting content and delivering customised resources and learning activities based on each learner’s unique needs.
Online assessments
Built-in assessment tools allow administrators to create customisable formats, quizzes, tests, and assignments to evaluate learners’ progress and identify skill gaps.
Mobile learning
An LMS that can be accessed via a mobile device reduces reliance on physical resources and enables employees to access training content anytime and anywhere, closing the gap between learning and doing.
Scalable and flexible
Large enterprises and multinational Automotive companies and car dealerships often need to update or upskill staff across different regions simultaneously. This could be, e.g. in compliance regulations on safety standards, government regulations on emissions, or quality control standards. A scalable LMS can deliver these compliance-focused eLearning modules in one go, worldwide, and at the same time, reducing the cost and time constraints associated with travel and on-site training.
Efficient onboarding
eLearning helps streamline the onboarding process, allowing new employees to get up to speed on company policies and procedures and hit the ground running.
Upskill in the flow of work
Employees can quickly upskill and adapt to new job roles, technologies, or industry standards without disrupting their day-to-day responsibilities. For example, salespeople can familiarise themselves with new car models, safety features, and connected car technologies, leading to more informed customer interactions right off the bat. This is especially important as vehicles become more complex and customers demand more technical expertise.
Advanced data analytics
Through advanced data analytics, companies can identify knowledge gaps, measure the effectiveness of training programs, and personalise training plans to better meet each employee’s needs. For example, real-time dashboards can show how well technicians are performing in training simulations, allowing companies to refine their training content as needed.
aNewSpring: A Solution for Effective Digital Learning
New Leaf Technologies has the perfect eLearning solution for the automotive industry in the form of the award-winning blended eLearning platform aNewSpring.
Through the platform, L&D leaders can create various types of online and offline training modules from one centralised platform, helping auto companies more effectively reach their training goals. Here are some of their top use cases:
Certification training helps employees obtain a certificate based on learning goals.
Compliance training ensures all stakeholders comply with rules and regulations relevant to their region.
Skills training is facilitated through evaluations, peer-to-peer feedback, workshops, and events, and supports various interactive multimedia elements that create engaging learning experiences.
Workplace learning experiences combine learning with support intervention, using a job coach, tracking assignments and connecting with peers through an online learning platform.
Product training ensures teams are kept up to date. The authoring tool can quickly build training programs that are easy to update and allow you to measure each team member’s knowledge level.
aNewSpring also allows companies to build Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) so they can train a large group of people at the same time. Plus, they support all three categories of learning in the 70:20:10 model, which holds that 70% of learning happens through on-the-job experience, 20% socially through colleagues and friends, and 10% via formal training experiences. This is a great solution for the automotive industry, which employs a hugely diverse workforce.
Drive Results Through L&D with aNewSpring and New Leaf Technologies
As the automotive industry continues to be disrupted, eLearning will play a critical role in ensuring that the entire workforce — from the work floor to the sales floor — is skilled and ready to meet new demands.
If you work in the automotive industry and need expert advice on adopting the aNewSpring platform, or want to find out more about our wide range of eLearning services — from instructional design and development to eLearning content development and learning experience design (LxD) — get in touch right away. We can help you build your industry content for you, directly in aNewSpring, and get you on the road to upskilling your workforce in no time.
