As projects become more complex and risks to clients increase, having the most highly qualified staff and subcontractors becomes more important. To meet this need, Turner focused on providing its staff and subcontractors the information and training to enhance individual goals and job performance.
By improving skills and competencies and educating staff on better project management, Turner adds value to its customers. It is also developing a “Turner Certified Subcontractor” process as a means of increasing subcontractor skills and competencies, again increasing client satisfaction and enhancing its reputation in the marketplace.
To help Turner reach its learning goals, it turned to INTELLINEX, which used its innovative e-learning delivery method to create a distance-learning environment. This solution provides access to relevant information for instructor-led and Web-based courses. It ensures consistent, quality content on a just-in-time basis across all business units as well as to Turner subcontractors. The comprehensive training system includes:
- INTELLINEX Learning Management System (LMS): a single point for locating, registering for, accessing and tracking learning as well as analyzing skill gaps.
- INTELLINEX Learning Content Management System (LCMS): a distributed authoring and content management system, providing developers and course administrators with browser-based tools, learning modules and tips to develop and manage Web-based learning.
- Learning solution design and development.
- Program planning, classroom delivery supervision, budgeting and billing, management reporting and vendor/material administration.
- Third-party application and content integration services.
- Hosting services on the INTELLINEX ASP platform.
INTELLINEX worked with Turner to create a custom OSHA 30-hour certification course designed to teach and reinforce Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and enhance the concept of thinking, acting and living safely every day. Reducing the number of on-the-job incidents through improved training adds value to Turner customers and reduces costs. The course provides subcontractors the knowledge to ensure all safety regulations are followed on all Turner projects.
Employees use the LMS to register for both Web-based and instructor-led learning appropriate for their position/role. They can track skill requirements, analyze gaps in skills and proficiencies and register for learning that addresses these knowledge gaps in areas such as leadership, management and technical skills. Some examples of Web-based courses offered through Turner University include: OSHA 30-Hour Certification, Prolog (Project Management and Collaboration Software), Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing, Career Counseling, How to Read a Financial Statement, Business Skills and PC Skills, as well as the Turner philosophy on ethics, values and customer service.
Over the past six months, Turner employees have registered for more than 5,000 courses, with 2,000 employees taking the OSHA 30-Hour Certification course, saving time away from the job and reducing travel costs. Turner has also saved an additional $70,000 in online PC skills training. In a recent new-hire focus group, 100 percent reported that the Turner Knowledge Network is key to improving onboarding productivity. More than 1,800 subcontractors have also logged onto TKN, and more than half have registered for courses, with OSHA being the most utilized course.
Through Turner Knowledge Network (TKN) and Turner University, a blend of online learning and knowledge management, Turner is creating a smarter and more conscientious workforce—both internally and with its channel partners (owners, architects and subcontractors). The results of this innovative solution include faster, more consistent employee growth and development; enhanced recruiting, retention and development; increased safety awareness on the job; cost savings; and increased value to customers.
“The INTELLINEX system provides the flexibility, speed, ease of use and effectiveness that will allow our employees to work safer, faster and more effectively,” said James I. Mitnick, senior vice president, Turner Construction Company.
Turner envisions TKN to be the driving force to pull entire project teams (Turner staff, owners, architects and subcontractors) into one central location for project collaboration and information sharing and learning. Turner Knowledge Network distinguishes Turner as a premier employer and the first to develop a world-class educational brand for the construction industry.
