Training Industry Magazine - Winter 2023 - 53

THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF BOOTCAMP DESIGN
SHOULD ADDRESS SPECIFIC TRAINING NEEDS.
LINK BOOTCAMP GOALS TO BUSINESS
KPIS AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT
Effective bootcamps move the needle
for the business. Measuring
key
performance indicators (KPIs) helps
leaders identify the bootcamp aspects
that work, along with those that need
adjustment. Also, if the bootcamp is
part of a bigger change within the
organization, change management and
bootcamp goals should align.
APPLY INSTRUCTIONAL
DESIGN BEST PRACTICES
Sadly, most corporate training is based
on presentations delivered " at " learners.
A bootcamp that works is highly
interactive, providing participants with
information and opportunities to apply
practice, and even discover new skills.
Make sure at least one of the people
involved in creating the bootcamp is an
instructional designer who understands
how adults learn.
CREATE A PILOT,
GATHER FEEDBACK, ITERATE
Before launching a bootcamp to the
greater
organization,
create a pilot
program for top performers. Use their
experiences and feedback to improve
the bootcamp for the next round. Then,
continue to track the related KPIs and
get feedback from newer participants.
Keep improving the program for the
next set of learners.
USE MENTORS
Mentorship can enrich a bootcamp in
multiple ways. Mentors provide support
for learners during and beyond the
formal bootcamp, giving helpful advice
and information as learners need it.
Bringing bootcamp graduates back as
mentors provides current participants
Internal bootcamps can provide
a highly effective means of rapid
change and rapid upskilling within an
organization. When crafted in alignment
with company goals with a focus on
giving learners the information and
support they need, bootcamps can help
organizations reshape themselves as
stronger competitors for both customers
and talent. This is critical in our rapidly
changing world.
Sally Eames is a senior instructional
designer for Judge Learning Solutions
where she works with national and
global brands to create award-winning
learning. Email Sally.
TRAINING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023 I WWW.TRAININGINDUSTRY.COM/MAGAZINE
| 53
with examples of what is possible
and creates relationships across the
organization.
PLAN WHAT COMES BEFORE
AND AFTER
A bootcamp that achieves results
includes pre-work to set learners up for
success before the program begins and
has effective follow-up. First, establish
the baseline knowledge all learners
need prior to beginning the training;
then give them the tools to achieve that
baseline. Follow the bootcamp with a
program that provides learners with four
to six weeks of structured opportunities
to apply any learning they are not
already doing in their jobs.
THINK ABOUT FUTURE EMPLOYEES
A bootcamp ensures current employees
have the foundational knowledge and
skills for success in their roles. If the
bootcamp is a one-time event or series
of events designed to support a shift
in how the organization works, make
sure there is a plan in place to provide
new hires with the training they need to
develop that foundational knowledge.

https://trainingindustry.com/magazine/sep-oct-2019/thinking-more-broadly-about-how-adults-learn/ https://www.judge.com/learning-solutions/ https://www.trainingindustry.com/magazine

Training Industry Magazine - Winter 2023

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