Building a Training Resource Library

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿-𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 📚 Struggling to keep your learning and development (L&D) content relevant and up-to-date? I get it. The rapid pace of change in today’s business environment can make it hard to keep training materials fresh. Outdated content can lead to disengagement, ineffective learning, and ultimately a less competitive workforce. Here’s a game-changing solution: leverage user-generated content (UGC). Trust me, it's a powerful way to ensure your training materials remain current and highly relevant. Ready to revamp your L&D program? Here’s how to get started: 📌 Create a Platform for Content Sharing: Develop a dedicated space where employees can easily share their knowledge, experiences, and insights. This could be an internal social network, a forum, or a collaborative platform like Microsoft Teams. 📌 Encourage Peer-to-Peer Learning : Foster a culture where employees feel motivated to contribute. Recognize and reward those who share valuable content. This not only keeps the material fresh but also builds a sense of community and collaboration. 📌 Implement User-Generated Video Content : Allow employees to create short videos on specific topics, best practices, or recent learnings. Use these videos in your training programs to provide real-world insights and practical tips. 📌 Moderate and Curate Content: While user-generated content is valuable, it’s essential to have a moderation process to ensure the accuracy and quality of the information shared. Curate the best content and integrate it into your formal learning programs. 📌 Use Feedback Loops : Encourage employees to provide feedback on the user-generated content. This will help identify gaps, refine the material, and ensure continuous improvement. 📌 Incorporate UGC into Formal Training : Blend user-generated content with traditional training methods. This hybrid approach ensures that your training programs are dynamic, engaging, and up-to-date. Embracing user-generated content not only keeps your learning materials relevant but also empowers employees, fosters collaboration, and enhances engagement. Imagine a workforce that’s continuously learning and sharing knowledge, always ready to tackle new challenges. Got any tips on leveraging user-generated content in training programs? Share your strategies below! ⬇️ #LearningAndDevelopment #UserGeneratedContent #TrainingInnovation #OnlineLearning #EdTech #EmployeeEngagement #ContinuousLearning

Veterans and military spouses: You don’t need to spend thousands to build new skills. Here are 10 places where you can access legitimate, high-quality training and certifications completely free: ✅ 1. ACT Now Education Comprehensive free access to certifications across industries (PMP, CompTIA, SHRM, etc), career bootcamps, job prep tools, and more. Built by and for veterans and spouses. ✅ 2. Boots to Books Quarterly scholarships of up to $1,000 to pay for a training or professional certification of your choice that aligns with your career goals, biannual textbook scholarships for full-time students whose benefits are being exceeded, and monthly scholarships for Google Career Certifications across industries. ✅ 3. The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes Grants "Military Heroes Individual Grants are awarded to veterans, active military, National Guard, and Reserve members for community leadership and successful employment expenses that they are unable to afford on their own. Examples include participation in conferences, trainings and certification expenses." Additionally, they have a scholarship with The Culinary Institute of America, view their website for more. ✅ 4. O2O – via Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF Onward to Opportunity (O2O) provides free access to an entire training library and one certification attempt (PMP, Sec+). Covers IT, business, and project management pathways. ✅ 5. Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) Intensive, cohort-based training for veterans pursuing careers in cloud and software development. Zero cost. ✅ 6. Amazon AWS Educate Free cloud computing curriculum. Veterans can qualify for certification test reimbursement. ✅ 7. Oracle Veteran Academy Free Oracle Cloud training and professional certifications for veterans and military spouses. ✅ 8. LinkedIn Premium Veterans get 12 months free, which includes full LinkedIn Learning access with 10,000+ courses. ✅ 9. Splunk Work+ Free Foundations 1 and 2 training for veterans and spouses, useful for data analytics and cyber roles. ✅ 10. Fortinet Veterans Program Free cybersecurity training with certifications (NSE 1, 2, and optional 4) for qualifying military members. If you're transitioning, job hunting, or exploring a new field, don’t leave these resources on the table, and don't let your peers miss out on them - SHARE! P.S. If you want to make whatever training you do about 100x more effective, connect with several mentors in the field you're training in as you complete it - even for one-off conversations. These calls help you orient your training to the real world, build a network in your target industry, and refine your resume and interview before it really counts. Plus, you can do unlimited free mentorship calls with folks at leading companies on MilMentor which makes it EASY! Heck, you could talk to someone at Amazon, Oracle, or Microsoft on MilMentor while you did their training all while never paying a cent!

🔍 Here’s an idea…instead of looking for thought leadership externally, why not try looking to your own people? Within your organization, you have a wealth of knowledge and expertise already present in the people around you! Make use of that by asking your colleagues to nominate individuals who could speak authoritatively on specific topics or areas of interest. Use these crowdsourced recommendations to build a pool of potential thought leaders right under your roof. From there, review the nominees and reach out to those best suited to share their insights on particular subjects. Invite them to lead virtual webinars or discussions, which you can record and build into a library of thought leadership content. ✨ Here are 3 reasons this works ✨ 💪 You're empowering and showcasing the expertise of your own team members, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and recognition. 🎯 The content is highly relevant and tailored to your organization's needs, since it’s coming from someone directly in your business. 🔄 You're creating a sustainable, cost-effective way to continuously generate fresh thought leadership material. Instead of always relying on external speakers or off-the-shelf training, look to internal subject matter experts! Not only will you develop a rich repository of insights, but you'll also cultivate a more engaged, collaborative, and knowledge-driven workforce. #learninganddevelopment #learningleader #lifelonglearning

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐗𝐑 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 isn’t just about adopting the latest tech—it’s about 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧. XR training is changing the game for how businesses train, engage, and retain employees, but its real power comes when it’s fully integrated into your HRIS and LMS. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐬—just 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 alongside all your other learning modalities. With ArborXR Insights, we’re making that integration a reality. By 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐗𝐑 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐌𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐑 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬, you get a unified view of all training activities—whether it’s online modules, instructor-led sessions, or immersive XR simulations. This unlocks some serious advantages: - 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬: See learner performance across all methods in one place. - 𝐑𝐎𝐈 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Prove the value of XR training by comparing retention, engagement, and skill acquisition to traditional methods. - 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Use data to refine XR content, improve onboarding, and boost training effectiveness. - 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Let employees practice and make mistakes in a controlled environment, building confidence for real-world tasks. As more organizations adopt XR to upskill their teams, integrating XR analytics into your LMS isn’t just a “nice to have” anymore—it’s a competitive edge. It's about making 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚-𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 that lead to 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬. If you're exploring how to bring XR training into your existing HRIS/LMS setup, let’s talk. At ArborXR, we’re committed to helping businesses unlock the full value of immersive learning. Check out the ArborXR Insights beta here: https://lnkd.in/g5hyAYBb

𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐋𝐒 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 In the ever-evolving field of Health and Life Sciences (HLS), staying ahead means not only keeping up with technological advancements but also ensuring that teams are proficient in using these tools effectively. As a recruiter who specializes in the Salesforce ecosystem, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of virtual training tools and techniques, particularly for Salesforce HLS. These resources are crucial for equipping HLS professionals with the skills needed to maximize their use of Salesforce, ensuring both compliance and efficiency. Here are some key tools and techniques that can enhance the training experience: 1️⃣ Interactive Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like Litmos or Pluralsight offer courses specifically designed for Salesforce training, including HLS-specific modules. These systems support interactive learning, track progress, and can be accessed at any time from anywhere, making them ideal for busy professionals. 2️⃣ Webinars and Live Online Workshops: Utilizing live sessions conducted by Salesforce HLS experts helps in delivering real-time training and immediate answers to queries. These sessions can be recorded and made available for on-demand access, providing ongoing resources for team members. 3️⃣ Virtual Reality (VR) and Simulations: Advanced VR tools allow learners to immerse themselves in real-world scenarios that they might face while using Salesforce HLS. This method is particularly effective for understanding complex workflows and data management practices within the HLS environment. 4️⃣ Gamification: Incorporating elements of game design like points, levels, and rewards into the training process can significantly boost engagement and motivation. Tools like Badgeville can be integrated with Salesforce to gamify the learning experience, making it more enjoyable and compelling. 5️⃣ Social Learning Platforms: Tools like Salesforce Chatter provide a social platform for learners to interact, share insights, and solve problems collaboratively. This peer-to-peer exchange can enhance learning outcomes and foster a sense of community. Virtual training tools and techniques offer powerful ways to enhance the proficiency of HLS professionals in Salesforce. By embracing these resources, organizations can ensure their teams are well-equipped to leverage Salesforce HLS effectively, leading to improved outcomes and enhanced patient care. If you’re looking to implement or enhance virtual training strategies in your HLS organization or need guidance on the best tools for your needs, let’s connect. Together, we can ensure your team is not just prepared, but proficient and poised for success in the Salesforce HLS landscape. #VirtualTraining #SalesforceHLS #HealthcareInnovation #JamesHickeyp

Looking to boost your administrative skills for (#NoCost) #free? I’ve compiled a list of no-cost training resources that can help sharpen your administrative abilities and take your career to the next level. Whether you’re looking to improve your software expertise, communication, or organizational skills, these tools are a great starting point: #General #OfficeAdministration • Microsoft Learn: Free training on Microsoft Office Suite. • Google Workspace & Gmail Training: Tutorials on Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, and more. • Alison: Online courses on office administration. • EdApp: Microlearning courses for office skills. Communication and Customer Service • Coursera (Free Audit): Courses on business communication and etiquette. • LinkedIn for Learning (Free Trial): Admin-focused customer service and communication courses. Time Management and Organization • Udemy Free Courses: Time management and prioritization skills. • Skillshare (Free Trial): Short lessons on productivity tools. Management and Leadership Basics • OpenLearn Openlearn by The Open University: Leadership and professional development. • HubSpot Academy: Free training on project management and productivity. Professional Tools and Software • TypingClub: Improve typing speed and accuracy. • Trello or Asana Tutorials: Learn project management tools for free. These resources are self-paced and perfect for anyone eager to grow their skills without breaking the bank. Pro Tip: Many of these platforms offer certifications you can showcase on your LinkedIn profile. Let’s grow together—drop a comment (I am looking for the interactive resources share and feedback - everything helps) if you know other free learning opportunities or if you’d like the direct links. #ProfessionalDevelopment #AdministrativeSkills #FreeLearning #CareerGrowth #togetherwegotthis

💡 Back to School isn't just for our Kids 💡 The market has been tough lately—there are so many talented professionals with strong backgrounds looking for work, but not enough great roles to go around. When you’re unemployed and 💸 money is tight, it can be stressful to think about upskilling. The good news? There are free resources out there to help you keep your skills sharp and competitive. I recently learned something I wish more job seekers knew: if you have a public library card, you can access LinkedIn Learning courses for free! 📚✨ 👉 If you’re in Minneapolis or the greater Hennepin County area: Get a Hennepin County Library card (if you don’t already have one). Go to the Hennepin County Library website, search for LinkedIn Learning, and log in with: Library ID: hclib Your library card number & PIN Browse thousands of professional courses at no cost! For anyone looking to strengthen their Agile/Scrum skills, here are two strong picks: ✅ Learning Path: “Prepare for the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification” – a curated sequence to get CSM-ready. ✅ “Cert Prep: Scrum Master” (Kelley O’Connell) – exam-focused prep with practice resources. 💪 Sometimes the best way to stand out in a competitive market is to keep investing in yourself—and free resources like this can make a huge difference. Has anyone else used LinkedIn Learning through their library? What courses have been the most valuable to you?

Stop reinventing the wheel. Start curating it. Did you know your people could be losing 10 hours a week chasing the information they actually need? That’s a full day of productivity evaporated.¹ Here’s the twist: the problem isn’t too little content—it’s too much. L&D teams are grinding to build everything from scratch, while marketing quietly perfected a counter—content curation.₂ Let learners swim, don’t drown. Instead of fueling the content fire, what if we became expert filters—trusted guides who deliver exactly what matters, exactly when it matters? The CURATED model lays it out: - Clarify goals - Unearth existing gems - Refine them for relevance - Arrange in bite-sized flows - Transform for the learner’s experience - Engage with interaction and feedback - Deliver—and loop back with iteration Marketers did this first. They flipped chaos into clarity by treating content like curated conversation, not clutter. Make curation your superpower: Your next move is simple: Flip your mindset: Forget content first—think learner first. Start your CURATED experiment: Even one curated list or learning calendar can demonstrate impact. Invite your SMEs to team up: Build a network of internal curators, not lone creators. In a world drowning in content chaos, be the beacon. Don’t add to the flood—be the one who shines the way. Your learners don’t need another content dump. They need a compass. https://lnkd.in/gCjUCY8h What’s one topic your team could stop building and start curating this month?