Online Training and Digital Adoption with Susan Brattberg

In a recent episode of the Digital Construction Podcast , we had the pleasure of speaking with Susan Brattberg , the dynamic founder of Global eTraining , and it was an eye-opening conversation about the evolving landscape of training in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. If you're looking to boost technology adoption, enhance team skills, and ultimately drive project success, this is a discussion you won't want to miss.

Susan shared her incredible journey, from launching Global e Training with a single AutoCAD course 16 years ago to now being a leading technology partner with over 450 courses. Her insights into the evolution of online training were particularly fascinating. It's easy to forget that not so long ago, the very idea of learning technical skills online was met with considerable scepticism. As Susan recounted, the pre-pandemic mindset often questioned the efficacy of virtual learning. 

The global pandemic, however, acted as a powerful catalyst, proving that online learning is not only viable but has become a normal and essential way of working and upskilling. This shift has led to senior leaders now recognising training as a number one driver for technology adoption and a crucial tool for attracting and retaining top talent.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the critical link between investing in technology and having a robust training plan. As Susan succinctly put it, "if you invest in technology and you don't have a training plan, you can pretty much be assured that that technology is not going to get adopted." This resonated strongly, highlighting that the investment in cutting-edge software is only as good as your team's ability to use it effectively. Training isn't just a nice-to-have; it's an insurance policy to ensure you're getting the full value from your technology investments.

We also delved into the importance of customising training content. Generic training can only go so far. Susan emphasised that tailoring training to be company and project-specific significantly improves relevance and knowledge retention. This ensures that your team is learning in the context of your unique workflows and the demands of their current projects.

The discussion also highlighted the benefits of a hybrid approach to training, blending the flexibility of asynchronous (on-demand) learning with the interactive engagement of synchronous (live) sessions. This model allows for foundational learning at an individual pace, followed by collaborative discussions and the application of knowledge to real-world scenarios.

For those wondering about the bottom line, we tackled the crucial question of measuring the return on investment of training programs. Susan outlined several key metrics, from improved project efficiency and technology adoption rates to enhanced staff retention and a stronger competitive edge when bidding for projects. Interestingly, she shared that when companies truly analyse the impact, the ROI is often "astronomical."

Looking to the future, Susan shared some exciting developments, particularly around the integration of Artificial Intelligence in creating and customising training programs. This technology has the potential to revolutionise how quickly and effectively teams can be upskilled. We also touched upon emerging technologies like AR and VR that promise to further enhance the learning experience in the construction industry.

Ultimately, our conversation with Susan underscored the vital role of strategic and well-executed training in navigating the complexities of the modern construction landscape. Whether you're a seasoned industry professional or new to the field, investing in your team's continuous learning is an investment in the future success of your organisation.

Ready to level up your team and drive better project outcomes?