Transforming Workforce Development at NJ Transit with eLearning

Presented at the APTA Rail Transit ConferenceVancouver, BC – June 8, 2010

Keith SheardownGeneral Manager – Technology SolutionsToronto, ON

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Our Learning Journey

Complex equipment with an aging workforce

Our business objectives and the need for training

Implementing eLearning Creating an immersive

learning experience The Results Top 5 Takeaways

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Complex equipment with an aging workforce - it gets harder to maintain as skills diminish

Electric locomotives are the backbone of the fleet – carry all commuters into NYC

Lack of Apprenticeships and Skilled Trades coming in the door

Bulk of Knowledge is walking out the door

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Business objectives and the need for training

Needed to reduce Train Delays and increase reliability

Repeat Work Orders and NDF Work Orders were adding up

Could not add staff to the Training Dept

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Implementing a Turn Key eLearning Solution

A Hosted Application that was implemented in 48 hours

Getting the right content

Creating a dedicated place to learn

The need for someone to “sell learning”

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Creating an immersive learning experience

Creating content that worked for all skill levels

The importance of compelling visuals

Quizzes that teach

Simulations so they can practice

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Learning is about the intensity Learning is about the intensity of the experience. It has of the experience. It has almost nothing to do with the almost nothing to do with the amount of money you invest amount of money you invest or the number of hours your or the number of hours your people spend sitting in your people spend sitting in your training roomtraining room

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The Results

Mean Distance Between Failure (MDBF) of electric loco fleet has increased by 82%

(2009 YTD vs 2010 YTD to April 30, 2010)

94% agree or strongly agree with the following statement:

“If NJ Transit was to invest in more e-Learning courses I would support this decision”

90% agree or strongly agree with the following statement:

“This course will improve my skills and help me to do a better job at NJ Transit”

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The Top Five Takeaways…

1: Define your business objectives and stay focused on them

2: Make your Management team, your staff, and your Unions, part of the solution

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The Top Five Takeaways…

3: Look at how to teach, not just what to teach. Make it interactive and engaging – Bored Learners Are Not Learning!

4: Supervisors need to embrace the effort, not just accept it

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The Top Five Takeaways…

5: We are visual learners -blow up the slide decks that are nothing but text!

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