Blended training

Client

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with a mission to make it safe and easy for people and things to get where they're going.

Overview

Waymo needed a structured, two-week onboarding program for "Canaries" in California and Arizona to replace their informal coaching model. Canaries are responsible for testing early-stage software to ensure it is qualified for release for testing on public roads. 

Learners

Newly hired Canaries who must perform a series of standardized tests on Waymo’s autonomous driving software.

Problems with existing training

Inconsistent Training Content: Regional differences led to learners being taught different terms for identical concepts. Steps for the same task varied across locations, causing confusion and inefficiency.

Unpredictable Training Duration: Some learners completed training in as little as three weeks, while others took up to six weeks. Lack of standardization contributed to delays and reduced productivity during onboarding.

A structured two-week curriculum that integrated eLearning, classroom, and OJT components:

• eLearning Modules: Interactive and self-paced modules covering foundational knowledge, such as terminology, testing procedures, and software functionalities.

• Classroom-Based Training: Instructor-led sessions to reinforce critical concepts and clarify complex topics. Designed standardized slide decks and faciliator guides for uniformity across regions.

• On-the-Job Training (OJT): Hands-on experience guided by a structured coaching program.

My Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Collaboration: Worked closely with regional teams to standardize terminology, processes, and content across California and Arizona. Facilitated regular check-ins to ensure alignment and address region-specific challenges.

Curriculum Design: Designed a blended two-week curriculum that was logically sequenced for optimal learning progression.

Content Development: Collaborated with SMEs and instructional designers to create high-quality learning materials. Followed the Waymo style guide to maintain consistency and professionalism across deliverables.

Knowledge and Skill Assessments: Wrote assessment questions for eLearning modules and classroom activities to measure knowledge retention. Designed an on-the-job skill assessment tool to evaluate learners’ practical abilities post-training.

Tools Used:

• Storyline: For creating interactive eLearning modules.

• Google Suite: For collaboration, content creation, and documentation.

• SnagIt: For capturing and annotating screenshots used in training materials.

Outcomes:

• Created a standardized onboarding program that reduced regional discrepancies in training.

• Improved onboarding efficiency, consistently preparing learners in two weeks.

• Enhanced testing accuracy and learner confidence through a structured, blended approach.

Client

Apple 

Overview

Apple needed a two-day onboarding program for its merchandising teams across Europe, Asia, North America, and South America

Learners

Apple merchandising teams travel to consumer electronic stores to:

• Secure demo units

• Manage demo content

• Replace marketing signage

• Clean displays

Learning Objectives

By the end of the training, merchandising teams can:

• Replace graphics, including table signs and wall banners

• Mount and secure mobile demo units

• Install and update demo content on demo units

Problems with Existing Training

• Outdated content

• Lack of hands-on practice

Developed a blended training program comprising:

1. Two days of classroom-based training with extensive hands-on practice

2. A mobile curriculum featuring videos, articles, and checklists for on-the-go reference

My Responsibilities

• Conducted a needs assessment

• Collaborated with regional stakeholders to ensure content was consistent and standardized

• Designed the classroom curriculum and mobile curriculum

• Wrote video scripts and managed the video production team

• Created and validated reference articles, quizzes, and surveys

Deliverables

• A revised classroom curriculum

• A new mobile curriculum, including:

  • 14 articles

  • 20 how-to videos

  • Quizzes and surveys

Tools

• Pages

• Keynote