Safety training made easy: Sudbury's NORCAT is a leader in online training.

• Author: Larmour, Adelle
• Position: SUDBURY

Targeting a market through a visionary set of eyes put NORCAT's eLearning department in the lead.

What began as a modest health and safety program for local industry has morphed into a $1- to $1.5-million online training program in which approximately 36,000 to 40,000 people participate annually.

"We saw how it was going to be the way of the future and training on the Internet would be the most efficient method because it allows one to update the material across Canada with one resource," said Jason Bubba, general manager of NORCAT's eLearning department.

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As early as 1995, they were developing CD-based productions, which at that time was a novel introduction in the use of digital media to delivery consistent training. It didn't take long before clients were attracted to the ease of using a computer for health and safety training and tracking.

The eLearning department began with a modest team of three people, which has grown to 10 during the last 15 years. Everything is done in house except for narrations. Although it is based in health and safety training, Bubba said they will put together custom programs, and will even develop the content, if requested.

The team developed and built all its learning management systems. Bubba explained that generic elearning management systems exist, but cannot deliver what is required from a health and safety standpoint.

"They have to be secure systems," he said, in order to track qualifications and ensure everyone is practicing their due diligence to fulfill government regulations.

NORCAT eLearning delivers and tracks the training, which is based on Canadian content. Technical support is available from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Once registered, an easy to use log-on and clearly displayed prompts provide a user-friendly system.

Every program offers full narration accompanied by script, colourful visuals, testing, record keeping, and reports. Some programs have animations and offer interactive exercises.

Based upon adult learning principles, the recipient receives about four to five minutes of information. Review questions then appear to keep the individual engaged. He or she cannot go further until the review question is answered correctly A test is required at the end of the session, which is marked. The company determines the pass mark. If the person fails, he or she will take it again at no extra cost. Incorrect...