Aviko

A workplace learning solution for operators at the Aviko factory in Steenderen

In addition to properly facilitating the employee onboarding process, the Academy supports employees and managers in developing knowledge and skills on the job with training courses ranging from Excel to communication, machine skills, food safety and safety.

Martijn Bosman, Learning & Development specialist at Aviko: “For new employees dealing with the machines in our plants, we have a training program available at our Academy that focuses on all the different activities that occur on the shop floor. We have formulated learning objectives that an operator must achieve. They are guided in this by a workplace trainer. Part of that training program are e-learnings, various training courses and so-called EPLs: One Point Lessons. These EPLs describe a simple operation in short, concise instructions including visual material. But they can be more efficient! We want to support our employees as best as possible in and during their daily work; this is also our Academy’s biggest challenge. So we looked for a way to make learning especially possible in the workplace. Through one of our partners hihaho, interactive video, we were informed about the 5 Moments of Need® methodology and advised to contact Xprtise. We immediately saw this as an opportunity to train innovatively and to really bring learning to the workplace. Also taking into account the roll-out to our new factories in Poperinge (Belgium). And the growth we are experiencing in China.”

Martijn says he had been working on workplace training and improving formal learning paths for some time, but the result was that (new) employees lost a lot of knowledge. As a result, the process was repeated regularly a year later. Starting over and over again cost the organization a lot of resources, so he was looking for a new approach. What appealed to him about Xprtise is its experience in production environments; Xprtise also works for Colgate, among others, with this proven 5 Moments of Need® methodology. “It’s nice to see and it gives confidence when a new approach has already proven itself, it’s based on what you’re already working on yourself and it matches the needs and expectations.”

Aviko’s question

Martijn: “Our question was very specific: Can you develop a workplace learning solution for the operators of one of our packing lines at our Aviko factory in Steenderen, so that we can also support our employees during their work?”

Aviko wants to use the workplace clothing solution to make learning innovative and to set an example for others. Martijn: “We want to help our operators in our potato factories perform their work uniformly and reliably. We also want to train new employees quickly and efficiently during the ‘on-boarding’ period using a workplace clothing solution; especially when rolling out new factories.”

Martijn says he himself was convinced of the 5 Moments of Need® approach before actually getting started with Xprtise. “But after we delivered and introduced the Proof of Concept (PoC) and then rolled out a pilot project, it’s very nice to see operators themselves embracing this approach and using the workplace learning solution even more we expected beforehand.”

‘Using the 5 Moments of Need® methodology, we developed a workplace learning solution that our operators are embracing even more than we as L&D ourselves expected beforehand.’

Approach to achieving a new workplace learning solution

To investigate how Aviko can bring workplace learning to the workplace, it was chosen to conduct a pilot project. Within the design of the overall workplace learning solution for this production line, existing content already available within Aviko was taken into account in order to optimize the investment already made in those resources.

Xprtise’s approach then consisted of several steps:

1. Workplace analysis to identify current processes and categorize work into concrete tasks, processes and steps
2. A critical task analysis that looks at tasks and roles of employees, to determine which ones are critical and what information and knowledge is needed for them. The higher the criticality of the task, the more attention it receives in workplace learning solutions and learning interventions (formal and informal).
3. The development of a Proof on Concept in which the required information and knowledge has been incorporated into an initial design of a working Performance Support solution. This will give Aviko a clear picture of the added value and applicability of the 5 Moments of Need® approach.
4. The continued development of the workplace learning solution so that it is complete and carefully developed for the pilot.
5. An on-site pilot in Steenderen.
6. Staff evaluation of the pilot and determining next steps.

About working with Xprtise, Martijn says the following: “What strikes me is that real people work at Xprtise. They are enthusiastic, believe in their approach and come up with good examples and concrete advice. In the beginning the consultants were rigid and straightforward, which helped us a lot to get the innovation off the ground. It is difficult to look at learning in a completely different way from your existing frames of mind. Xprtise taught us to kill our “darlings” in a respectful way. Of course we have put a lot of effort into our current approach and we have to change it. Full of conviction, together with Xprtise, we will take up that challenge.”

The result so far

The result of the pilot is a workplace learning solution that is appreciated by the employees (both operators and production leaders) on the packing line. The reactions of Aviko employees to the workplace learning solution are very positive:

• ‘At first I was a little hesitant about this medium, because we already have e-learning as well. But it definitely has added value! Especially for new employees.’
• ‘It is especially useful for our new colleagues. Operators from another line found it very pleasant and clear to work this way.’
• ‘With this system you also set a standard for your location. Very handy!” (production manager)
• ‘It’s really very easy to pull this in when we can’t get out and when there’s nothing to do for a while.’
• ‘The result of the pilot is a workplace learning solution that is appreciated by both our operators and our production leaders.’

The next step

Aviko is offering Aviko Academy employees an in-company 5 Moments of Need® Designer Certificate course. During this course, they learn how to design and develop workplace learning solutions themselves. Martijn: “After completing this training, our employees are certified and can independently develop innovative workplace learning solutions based on the 5 Moments of Need® methodology for our production lines that combine e-learning, classroom training, interactive video, Performance Support and perhaps other tools or resources. Because they are already working on several concrete projects during the training, we can make quick strides.”

In the short term, Aviko wants to further expand and develop the 5 Moments of Need® workplace learning solutions, hence the choice of an in-company 5 Moments of Need® Designer Certification course. By rolling out more broadly, the last resistance regarding innovation, if any, will also be removed. In the medium term, following the further development of workplace learning solutions, Aviko will redesign all formal learning processes. Here too, Xprtise will support them.

And the plans for the long term? According to Martijn, that will really be the next step: offering 5 Moments of Need® methodology-based workplace learning solutions hands-free! For example, with Realware glasses or other technologies that we may not know at all today. “When I think about that future, even a tablet seems old-fashioned. We hope Xprtise can be our partner in this as well. We are curious about their view on Augmented, Mixed & Virtual reality and thus also on new applications such as Realware glasses in the production environment.”

In conclusion

What else is Aviko sure to say? “Working with Xprtise on workplace learning solutions around the 5 Moments of Need® methodology also produces unexpected results. It gives us a lot of (new) energy to actively work with our shop floor colleagues on Learning & Development solutions. This approach also helps our production leaders to engage in discussions with shifts about work content. You lay down how you want to do it. This is an unexpected, and very welcome, side effect.”

Curious about the possibilities for your organization?

Do you also want to truly empower workplace learning or are you interested in participating in the 5 Moments of Need® Designer Certificate training? Please contact us to discuss the approach and application of the 5 Moments of Need® methodology for your organization.