A successful custom course elevates a company’s workforce and addresses critical training gaps. That success comes from close collaboration between leadership, subject matter experts, instructors, and instructional designers.
Here is an example of how one company found unique ways to collaborate with InterPro on their custom courses. An international aerospace company approached InterPro to design training for its design and test engineers. The company needed to raise the expertise of its workforce on advanced power electronics topics that went beyond what InterPro offers to the public.
The first step was to identify employee subject matter experts (SMEs). This role was critical, as SMEs provided a consistent, expert voice of the customer throughout course design. Together with InterPro’s program director and instructional team, they created outlines, incorporated company terminology, and built activities that reflected real use cases.
Once the course was underway, SMEs attended and participated. They helped guide questions, addressed company-specific concerns, and acted as on-site teaching assistants. Having these internal champions amplified the impact not only of the first course but also of follow-on courses and subsequent collaborations.
A lasting benefit of SME collaboration was the creation of company-specific materials and examples that could be used for ongoing employee development, ensuring the investment extended well beyond the initial training. Detailed notes and example videos were created as part of the course, and SMEs guide colleagues to these and other course resources when needed. SMEs continue their role as on-site education cheerleaders, helping students as they face new power electronics projects.
Overall, this partnership fostered a culture of learning, where employees witnessed and
experienced leadership’s commitment to professional growth.
If you are considering a custom course, think about your internal champions, the voices who can make the material truly your own and ensure the impact is lasting.
For more information on custom courses, contact custom@interpro.wisc.edu, or fill out this form for a follow-up conversation on custom training designed for your organization.