Stewart Milne’s 1,678 hours of training amid Covid-19 – and counting

Scottish housebuilder Stewart Milne had never ventured into the world of e-learning for essential training before this year. Covid-19 changed that. Lockdown meant the company’s Learning and Development Manager, Susan Hudson, had to find new ways to train staff. As an employer committed to continuous development, efforts resulted in closer working relationships and significant cost savings.

“When lockdown began we knew we wouldn’t be able to undertake training the way we usually do,” says Susan. “We’d no longer be able to have everyone in one room together. The initial reaction was – training won’t be happening - but we weren’t having that!

“We worked with other housebuilders such as CALA, Miller Homes and Mactaggart & Mickel to support employees with training needs during the lockdown. We were all in the same boat, so being able to work together and bounce ideas off each other really helped. We created spreadsheets and online portals with links to free training.”

From Open University courses to learning a new language, from cooking to IT skills, Stewart Milne Group encouraged employees to look beyond construction and consider personal development and well-being.

“In terms of training, what we accomplished in a three month period was quite phenomenal,” says Susan.

“Around 85% of employees have completed free online learning for their own personal development or mandatory H&S training. We’ve administered 1,678 hours of training, which equates to an impressive 44 weeks.”

To boost morale during furlough, newsletters and Zoom chats informing employees of important safety measures were shared, as well as fun virtual activities to participate in.

“There’s been a lot of positives to come from this, from how we will deliver training going forward and the efficiencies that can be made.”

Susan estimates that remote learning, as well as being effective in terms of the learning outcomes, has saved Stewart Milne around £80,000 during the period. Eliminating commuting time, accommodation requirements and course material costs are a few benefits of learning remotely.

The online video courses average between 35 minutes to an hour in length. Learners can rewind and pause the videos to ensure they understand the content with a multiple choice test at the end to check knowledge. With normal training delivery, delegates come off-site for a minimum of half a day and into the classroom. Learners have fed back that the online learning eliminates any unease of raising a hand in a silent classroom.

As employees begin returning to the workplace, Susan is keen to emphasise the importance of staff safety.

“Everyone goes through an induction before returning that incorporates the new Covid-19 practices. Our apprentices are also back onsite and CITB continue to support us to ensure they are all on track at each stage of their apprenticeship.

“Our employees understand the value of personal development to expand their skillset and knowledge. It also showed our continual investment in staff during this time, which meant a lot to people. The uptake was great; we had people asking for more online courses too.

“Over the next few months we’ll be able to compare the e-learning with face-to-face training through feedback from employees and observing behaviours onsite. I’d like a bit more time before I say virtual learning is the future, but reflecting on the booking, coordinating and current feedback, online training is 100% positive.”

Visit our Urgent Messages page for more information on e-learning and the range of support measures currently available.