Certification, Compliance, and Competency: How Companies Adapted During COVID

 

The webinar explored how organizations addressed remote learning challenges and evolved compliance and certification training strategies. Presented by David Wentworth of Brandon Hall Group and David Progler of Latitude CG, the session highlighted shifts in training approaches, challenges, and emerging solutions during the pandemic.

Key Takeaways
Impact of COVID-19 on Compliance and Certification Training
    1. Compliance training faced significant disruption due to reliance on in-person, hands-on training methods, which were halted during the pandemic.
    2. Organizations transitioned rapidly to virtual tools like e-learning, virtual classrooms, and video-based learning to address immediate gaps.
    3. Despite these efforts, gaps in hands-on training persisted, particularly in industries like automotive and heavy equipment, where physical interaction with machinery is essential.
Strategic Shifts in Compliance Training
    1. Companies increasingly view compliance training as more than a “check-the-box” activity. It is now being leveraged for:
      1. Regulatory adherence.
      2. Certifying employees in specific skills.
      3. Supporting overall talent development.
    2. Nearly 75% of organizations aim to make compliance training more strategic by linking it to business outcomes and broader organizational goals.
Challenges Identified
    1. Training Backlogs: Delayed hands-on training has created a significant backlog, leading to potential impacts on partner compliance and product launch timelines.
    2. Verification of Competency: Virtual-only approaches struggle to replicate the thorough competency validation achieved in in-person environments.
    3. Partner Engagement: Extended networks (dealerships, service providers) face challenges maintaining compliance amidst workforce shortages and logistical constraints.
Emerging Solutions and Innovations
    1. Virtual Training Integration:
      1. Virtual tools reduced in-person training requirements, allowing for shorter, more focused hands-on sessions.
      2. Cameras and multi-angle setups enhanced virtual training by improving visibility and interaction.
    2. VR and AR Technologies:
      1. Emerging tools like Microsoft HoloLens combined with platforms like Teams enabled remote trainers to deliver detailed, immersive experiences.
      2. AR/VR also facilitated competency validation, with trainers evaluating students’ hands-on skills remotely.
    3. Improved Assessment Mechanisms:
      1. Organizations adopted more interactive, dynamic assessment tools to test deeper understanding.
      2. Methods like video submissions of tasks (e.g., repairs or sales pitches) enabled trainers to provide feedback and validation remotely.
Addressing Workforce Challenges
      1. Talent Shortages: High turnover rates and declining interest in trades created additional pressure on training systems.
      2. Pre-Hiring Engagement: Companies used training as a tool to attract and vet potential candidates, identifying those who demonstrated initiative and interest.
Recommendations for Future Readiness
  1. Leverage Technology: Continue integrating VR, AR, and virtual meeting tools to enhance training and competency validation.
  2. Blend Training Modalities: Use virtual tools for foundational knowledge and reduce in-person training to focused, hands-on components.
  3. Strengthen Verification Processes: Implement robust mechanisms to ensure compliance and prevent system gaming, such as ID-verified testing and video-based assessments.
  4. Align Training with Business Strategy: Make compliance training a driver of organizational success by connecting it to measurable KPIs and business outcomes.
Conclusion

The pandemic forced organizations to innovate rapidly, proving that even traditionally hands-on training could adapt to remote environments. As companies navigate the new normal, blending in-person and virtual tools will be key to meeting compliance, improving competency, and driving business outcomes.