Amicus, the world’s fastest growing Internet bank, asked Learning Designs to help it meet one of its critical business challenges: training the endless waves of new hires that will help the bank meet its critical growth targets.

The Amicus business model, ‘bricks and clicks’, blends the speed and convenience of the Internet with the personal touch of traditional banking. You can either bank online or visit a banking pavilion located inside a trusted brand supermarket (e.g., Safeway, Win Dixie)

For the Amicus’ business model to quickly gain marketshare, however, the bank needs to create induction training ‘on steroids’. The goal is to quickly convert new hires into professionals with the skills and product knowledge needed to win new customers.

Learning Designs developed two induction-training solutions. i) a six-day, classroom-based course (with print support materials), and ii) an online eLearning solution with classroom component for sales skills. Both approaches include an on-the-job apprenticeship segment.

The online course incorporates self-tests and an extensive range of activities designed to help new employees practice their knowledge of products and services. These, interactive activities reinforce this knowledge in a context that simulates the in-store experience (situated learning).

Students taking the 50-hour online self-study component were supported by daily telephone sessions with a mentor (one-on-one and small-group conferences).

Time to complete: (approx. 60 hours)