The Challenge

Weil-McLain, a local HVAC organization, needed to transform their three-day in-person training workshop for HVAC technicians and plumbers into a self-paced solution. They specifically wanted to convert their “School for Better Heating” program’s first day into what they called a “Silver” level online training.

The client had specific requirements:

  • A self-paced solution limited to 2.0 hours of e-learning
  • 6-7 modules per track
  • Reviews and quizzes at the end of each module
  • A final certification test
  • Compatibility with their existing tools (Storyline 2 and Articulate 360)

Their goal was to provide boiler installers with confidence in their knowledge and application of the content taught in Day 1 of their training program. With a tight timeline, they needed the solution launched by mid-July, just weeks after initial engagement.

The Solution

TrainSMART responded quickly to this opportunity, beginning with a consultative approach. After an initial assessment, TrainSMART’s team met with Weil-McLain’s representatives to understand their needs and demonstrate examples of e-learning modules to showcase possibilities.

The TrainSMART team developed a comprehensive two-phase approach:

  1. Phase I: A rapid assessment of the three-day ILT workshop content to design an effective e-learning solution that determined what content to cover, how to present it, and the appropriate level of interactivity while respecting time constraints.
  2. Phase I (part 2): Creation of an online assessment/certification using Storyline to validate learning outcomes.

The solution included:

  • Custom template development
  • Instructional design specifically tailored for e-learning
  • E-learning development with appropriate complexity levels
  • Animation integration to enhance engagement
  • LMS compatibility to ensure seamless deployment

The Results

The project moved quickly from proposal to implementation. Within days of submitting the proposal on June 5th, TrainSMART received approval to begin work, with the client eager to start as soon as the week of June 12th.

Working collaboratively with Weil-McLain’s subject matter experts and project lead, TrainSMART successfully developed the certification exam that achieved the client’s goals:

  • Transformed in-person training into an engaging self-paced format
  • Created appropriate assessment methods to ensure knowledge retention
  • Met the tight timeline for launch
  • Maintained the instructional integrity of the original program in a condensed format
  • Provided a scalable solution that could be extended to other training days

The certification program now serves as a key component of Weil-McLain’s “School for Better Heating,” allowing them to train more technicians efficiently while maintaining high standards of knowledge and application.

About TrainSMART

TrainSMART delivers customized learning solutions that drive measurable results. With expertise in transforming traditional training into effective digital learning experiences, TrainSMART partners with clients to achieve their educational goals through innovative instructional design and technology implementation.