Traditional training programs have long been the cornerstone of employee development. Yet, as organizations expand geographically and face changing circumstances, these in-person methods often become more of a constraint than a solution. For MIDFLORIDA Credit Union—a financial institution with a 70-year legacy of excellence—maintaining the integrity of its robust training program during a period of rapid growth and change required innovation.
In this webinar, Alistair Lee sat down for an engaging and enlightening conversation with Rachel Argen, Instructor-led Training Manager and Christina prince, Training Department Head at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union about the challenges faced and how Adobe Connect helped MIDFLORIDA lower in-person training days by 80% and improved retention of top candidates.
Faced with the challenges of scalability, rising costs, and the pressing need to engage a dispersed workforce, MIDFLORIDA embraced a bold transition to live remote training.
Challenges of traditional in-person training
MIDFLORIDA’s in-person training program was thorough and engaging, offering classes tailored to new hires, specific job roles, and advanced skills. However, the model presented significant hurdles as the organization’s geographic footprint expanded:
- Travel burden: Employees were required to travel long distances to attend training sessions, often staying in hotels for days. For some, these requirements were prohibitive, leading to the loss of potential candidates.
- High costs: MIDFLORIDA incurred significant expenses for accommodation, travel reimbursements, and logistics.
- Limited engagement: Despite the in-person setting, some activities lacked the interactive elements that could truly captivate learners.
- Retention issues: Managers observed that new hires often needed retraining during on-the-job sessions, highlighting gaps in retention from classroom sessions.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with recent acquisitions, further emphasized the need for scalable and efficient remote training solutions.
Transition to remote training
The need for flexibility and scalability became a driving factor in exploring virtual training. However, transitioning to a new format required buy-in across all levels of the organization. The MIDFLORIDA training team focused on preserving the interactive, personalized, and culturally rich experience that had defined their in-person model.
Recognizing the limitations of traditional virtual meeting tools, the team sought a solution that could replicate the benefits of the classroom while overcoming its challenges. Their mindset was clear: “Everything we do in person can be done virtually. We just need the right tools and creativity.”
Adobe Connect helps MIDFLORIDA address the challenges of in-person training
After extensive research, trials, and demos, MIDFLORIDA identified Adobe Connect as the ideal platform to meet their needs. Its robust features allowed the team to create a virtual environment that matched—and often exceeded—the effectiveness of in-person training.
- Interactive layouts: Customizable templates in Adobe Connect enabled the creation of persistent virtual classrooms, mirroring the in-person experience. Interactive storyboards, chats, and polls fostered dynamic engagement.
- Engagement tools: Features like the engagement dashboard provided real-time insights, helping trainers identify when learners needed re-engagement.
- Creative learning experiences: Using Adobe Connect, the team transformed lecture-style content into clickable, interactive modules and incorporated videos, games, and hands-on exercises to keep sessions lively.
- Scalability: Training was no longer confined to physical locations, enabling the team to reach employees across multiple branches without the costs and time associated with travel.
“Adobe Connect gave us a platform to build engaging, completely customized, and highly interactive classes. It’s user-friendly for beginners yet sophisticated enough for advanced needs.”
-Rachel Argen, Instructor Led Training Manager, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
The results of the transition were both measurable and transformative:
- Cost reductions: By minimizing travel and accommodation needs, training expenses were reduced by approximately 80%.
- Improved engagement: Trainees consistently reported that sessions were interactive, fun, and highly effective, with tools like polls and video pods enhancing their learning experience.
- Better retention: On-the-job managers observed that new hires demonstrated stronger skills and required less retraining compared to those trained in-person.
- Scalable solutions: Training now accommodates groups of various sizes without logistical bottlenecks.
Lessons to consider for organizations
MIDFLORIDA’s journey offers valuable insights for organizations aiming to transition from in-person to remote training:
- Secure buy-in: Engage leadership and team members early in the process to ensure alignment and enthusiasm.
- Plan thoroughly: Anticipate potential challenges, such as technical issues or curriculum adjustments, and address them proactively.
- Embrace creativity: Reimagine traditional activities for the virtual environment rather than discarding them as unfeasible.
- Test before launch: Conduct mock sessions to refine the content and build trainers’ confidence.
- Continuous improvement: Regularly evaluate and enhance the training program to keep it effective and engaging.
MIDFLORIDA’s transformation from in-person to live remote training demonstrates that innovation and commitment can turn challenges into opportunities. By leveraging the powerful capabilities of Adobe Connect to maintain a learner-focused approach, MIDFLORIDA not only preserved but elevated its training standards. For organizations navigating similar transitions, MIDFLORIDA’s success underscores the importance of strategic planning, teamwork, and a willingness to embrace change.
Ready to redefine virtual training? Start your free 30-day trial of Adobe Connect today!