Xcel Energy

Solar Fundamentals Training Program

Training Design · e-Learning 40% Faster Ramp Time 92% completion rate 25 Assets Delivered

Tools & Systems

Articulate Rise
Blackboard
Adobe InDesign
Camtasia

A hybrid training solution aimed at employee retention in a rapidly changing energy climate.

Background

What we were solving.

Many utilities are transitioning or at least adding solar power as an energy source for customers due to economic, financial and other factors. With the decrease in coal usage comes a decrease in the need for coal workers. Xcel Energy wanted to retain employees despite this fact and had a desire to provide their employees with an opportunity to grow with the company by becoming well-versed in solar power. Many of these employees had a baseline understanding of solar power but needed a ground-up training solution to help them grow into what could someday be solar technicians.

Approach

How we solved it.

I partnered with a subject matter expert to create a 10-module learning solution for solar technician apprentices that now lives in Blackboard. The SME helped me to understand what knowledge and skills an entry-level solar technician would need and together a framework was built. From there, I designed an asynchronous learning approach that apprentices across various sites could take on their own time. Each module consisted of 3-5 learning activities such as interactive eLearnings, discussion board posts, videos, knowledge checks, downloadable guides and more. Each activity was tailored to fit the content in the most effective and efficient manner for individuals of different learning styles to digest. The program included hybrid components and covered solar fundamentals, useful tools and systems, methodology, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, safety and more. The company is in eight states, with the potential to put thousands of employees through the apprenticeship program and retain their talent.

Course screenshots

Xcel Energy Course Screenshot 1
Xcel Energy Course Screenshot 2

Booklet Samples

Xcel Energy Booklet Sample

Next Project

Branding and Training Module Development

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