BNFL deploy elearning to increase security awareness
British Nuclear Fuels Plc (BNFL) has turned to elearning to deliver critical messages about the growing threat of international terrorism since 9/11 and the consequential increased regulations. The organisation rejected traditional classroom learning for this security awareness project as being too time consuming, costly and inconsistent.
The solution was provided via the Kallidus learning management system from UK elearning technology specialist e2train and content from SITO (Security Industry Training Organisation). The courses are delivered by the Security, Safeguards and International Affairs (SSIA) department of BNFL to around 15,000 employees located at 16 sites across the UK.
The new courses also became essential after changes to BNFL’s operating and trading arrangements. These new arrangements demanded the effective implementation of commercial security measures, following the introduction of greater competition in the civil nuclear services market. As such, it was essential that all personnel were aware of the threats to the organisation, their individual security accountabilities and how they can protect the business.
Explained Neil Hyde, SITO Media Development Manager, “Initial training needs analysis revealed that BNFL required a simple LMS solution, capable of deploying and managing online learning only. Minimising the number of technical support queries was also essential, and therefore the initial decision to use Kallidus was based solely on cost. However, Kallidus boasts a startling array of features, so it was customised to leave only those features relating to elearning deployment. Redundant features were disabled as opposed to being removed in order to future proof the system, offering BNFL the most cost effective solution, whilst remaining adaptable.”
The training was launched in April 2005, and since then 1000 learners have undertaken the training with plans to reach 2,500 by the end of the year. Hyde added “over 200 people have offered up comment, none of which mention the LMS. This is extremely positive, as it means that all the users have accessed the training without problem. I can also confirm that their help desk hasn’t received a single call regarding access to the elearning”.
One of the courses being delivered through Kallidus features a skinning system unique to SITO, whereby the training is automatically re-branded depending on which company the employee using the course works for, BNFL or it’s subsidiaries; British Nuclear Group, Nexia Solutions and Westinghouse.
Martin Belton (Sales and Marketing Director, e2train) said “the advantages of elearning and the use of an LMS to deliver training has increased since 9/11 – making just-in-time training a vital factor in combating the threat of international terrorism by various business sectors” Belton also added “it was a vote of confidence in Kallidus, that not only did it beat its rivals on cost, but that its extensive features meant that BNFL have a future-proofed LMS.”