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Government Digital Services required a specialist Learning Designer Facilitator to help address the professional development and career progression of civil servants interested in joining the Ministry of Defence (MOD) as Junior DevOps professionals.
The Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) division of the Cabinet Office, in collaboration with the MOD, aimed to establish a pilot virtual bootcamp to facilitate this transition.
Our contractor’s key responsibility involved overseeing the comprehensive life cycle of the virtual bootcamp, from its initial conception to its final deployment on the Ministry of Defence’s Learning Management System (LMS). This encompassed conducting meticulous analysis, designing a well-thought-out curriculum, developing engaging content, and flawlessly implementing the program on the designated platform.
The work on the virtual bootcamp was completed through a carefully planned and executed process, utilizing a blend of the ADDIE, 6Ds, and DSAT models.
This began with an in-depth analysis of the learning needs of the civil servants, in line with the first stage of the ADDIE model. Using the DSAT model’s Document stage, they carried out a detailed Learning Needs Analysis and Gap Analysis to understand the current competencies of the participants and the skills needed for DevOps roles within the MOD.
Following the analysis, they moved into the Design phase of the ADDIE model. Here, they started designing the 12-week bootcamp programme, ensuring it aligned with the findings from the analysis stage. They also collaborated with Subject Matter Experts during the Specify stage of DSAT, gathering their inputs and incorporating their expertise into the design of the programme.
In the Development phase, they created the eLearning content for the bootcamp. This involved using the insights from the Design phase to develop an effective and engaging training curriculum, incorporating interactive elements, multimedia components, and real-world scenarios.
Once the content was developed, they moved into the Implementation stage. This phase involved launching the virtual bootcamp and ensuring all participants had access to the training materials. They also worked closely with the MOD and the Cabinet Office to ensure the bootcamp met the Develop Solutions stage of DSAT and the Define Outcomes stage of the 6Ds model, where we outlined what success would look like and how we would measure it.
In the final stage of ADDIE, they carried out an Evaluation of the bootcamp’s effectiveness. This was in line with the Track and Test stages of DSAT, where feedback was collected and assessed learners’ progress. This evaluation was consistent with the Deliver for Application and Determine and Document Success stages of the 6Ds model, ensuring the learning was applied on the job and the results were documented for future reference.
As the final step, and aligned with the 6Ds model, strategies were developed to sustain and reinforce the learning, provide ongoing support to the participants and ensure that the skills and knowledge gained from the boot camp were continually applied in their roles.
By carefully following these stages, the virtual bootcamp was developed and implemented effectively, providing a comprehensive and practical learning experience for civil servants transitioning into Junior DevOps roles within the MOD.
The solution involved the comprehensive planning, design, and execution of a virtual bootcamp program, ensuring participants were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for their new roles. The result of the bootcamp was a resounding success across several areas:
The meticulously designed learning journey map provided a clear, comprehensive guide for participants, outlining their progression through the bootcamp. It detailed the objectives, topics, and skills to be gained each week, serving as a roadmap for participants and enabling them to track their progress effectively.
The design and development of the introductory modules were based on a scenario-based learning approach. This ensured the content was relatable and practical, promoting active engagement from participants. Each week, new modules introduced new scenarios that mimicked real-world challenges within the MOD, thereby enhancing learners’ understanding and retention of the information.
Able to provide a wide range of online resources, ordered based on the level of difficulty, from basic to expert. This was an important feature given the wide spectrum of learners participating in the bootcamp. These resources offered learners the flexibility to engage with the material that best matched their skill level and background, ensuring that all participants, irrespective of their prior knowledge or experience, could effectively benefit from the bootcamp.
The bootcamp learning experience (including the content and learning journey) was developed with an articulated and accessible design, enabling easy navigation and understanding. Clear labels, intuitive layout, and user-friendly interfaces ensured participants could focus on the learning rather than grappling with the system. Moreover, the design adhered to accessibility standards, making it usable for individuals with various abilities and learning preferences.
Conducted both a Learning Needs Analysis and a Gap Analysis to identify areas that needed improvement. This helped to ensure the training was as relevant and effective as possible.
Liaised with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), bringing in industry and technical insights that greatly enhanced the quality and relevance of the training content.
Used technical writing skills to produce a clear, comprehensive 12-week bootcamp programme. This provided a structured and detailed learning journey.
Designed eLearning content specifically tailored to the needs and learning objectives of the civil servants participating in the bootcamp.
Developed the eLearning content according to MOD-approved standards and industry best practices, ensuring its quality and effectiveness.
The bootcamp offered a blend of learning methods, catering to various learning styles and increasing overall engagement and knowledge retention.
By liaising with SMEs and designing the programme based on MOD standards, they ensured the content was grounded in the realities of DevOps work within the MOD, enhancing its practical value.
By targeting specific roles within the MOD, the bootcamp provided a clear career progression path for the civil servants, making it a highly strategic and focused initiative.
Conducted the bootcamp virtually, ensuring that it was accessible to civil servants irrespective of their geographical location.