Case Study | Managing a Training Program
Challenge
The Houston Zoo’s information technology (IT) department needed to implement an ongoing training program that would increase end user knowledge and efficiencies on mission critical applications, without adding hours to their work day.
“We knew that our employees weren’t using the applications available to them as effectively as they could, but I just didn’t have the time to personally address the problem,” said Alex Rigsby, Senior Systems Administrator for the Houston Zoo. “We have a lean IT staff. To add complexity to our challenge, for each of the applications we offer; we had some people who needed very basic instruction, others who knew the basics, but needed a little more skills, and some people knew quite a bit but needed to go to the final level to really get the most out of the applications we provide.”
Solution
Rafte & Company utilized its easy-to-use Web-based system to address the logistics of running a training program. Rafte then assessed the application competencies among the Houston Zoo employees before designing and delivering a turnkey training solution, Rafte IS Educate™.
“Rafte & Company took all the burden from my plate, which freed me up to take care of other priority tasks,” said Rigsby.
Rafte & Company designs and implements all aspects of the Houston Zoo training program by:
- Covering the entire registration process:
- Scheduling the courses
- Providing email notifications of upcoming classes complete with links to register
- Tracking registration
- Sending out email reminders prior to class
- Assigning application and technology competency levels to employees
- Creating the application training course curriculum, with three levels of competency: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced; customizing were applicable. The core curriculum offers courses on the Microsoft® Office integrated software system, including: Access™, Excel®, PowerPoint®, Project and Word. As well as courses such as Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop.
- Monitoring demand for the offered courses
- Providing ongoing refinement to the course offerings
- Delivering the application training courses onsite to the Houston Zoo employees
Results
Application training is now part of the culture at the Houston Zoo and the IT staff has one less thing to worry about.
“For me, it was extremely simple and straightforward,” said Rigsby. “Rafte & Company took the entire burden off my shoulders, because I don’t have to think about training among my other responsibilities. It is great that I don’t have to schedule the classes. Rafte does a great job of figuring out who needs what training.”
Rafte & Company’s online Training Course Registration system provides complete course descriptions on the Web, sends e-mail course notices and prerequisites, and a link to register. Rafte & Company also sends reminders prior to the class to minimize absences.
The Bottom Line:
- Approximately two thirds of zoo employees have participated in the Rafte IS Educate training program.
- The Houston Zoo reports achieving a greater return on its technology investments by building the skills of its employees.
About Rafte & Company Application Consulting
Rafte & Company has professional trainers and help desk experts that can complement your staff and increase the overall effectiveness of your information technology applications through customized or standardized help desk, classroom, workshop, or one-on-one offerings. Our team is committed to supporting your end-users effectively on a daily basis, enhancing their use of your technology systems and resolving problems with minimum disruption of normal business practices.
Rafte & Company Application Consulting Services include:
- IS Helpdesk™ – High-level technical and application help-desk support via telephone or remote access.
- IS Educate™ – Professional trainers that can create and deliver customized or standardized classroom training, workshops, or one-on-one training.
Call us today to discuss your Application Consulting needs. Call 800-396-9390 or send us an e-mail to info@rafte.com. The Rafte & Company team will be happy to learn more about your training needs and offer guidance regarding the types of training courses that can provide the greatest impact on improving the knowledge and capabilities of your employees.
Rafte Handout_ Houston Zoo Case Study.pdf 36.653 KB (36653 bytes)
