Bourne Training

Star was founded in 1971 and has grown to become the largest independent refrigeration engineering company in the UK. Operating in 10 locations, their 250 employees are involved in the design, installation, commissioning and operational support of refrigeration systems.

Star has developed a wealth of intellectual knowledge and currently operates a 'centre of excellence' for their engineers. Their challenge was not only to enhance the training they provide their staff, but to take advantage of a commercial opportunity to leverage their expertise through the provision of an e-Learning course suite to provide induction, general knowledge and skills training for engineers across their industry.

Specific requirements included:

• To partner with an experienced e-Learning developer that could add value in the process by developing high quality, fit for purpose e-Learning driven by the requisite adult learning principles.
• Provide a product that is simple to use, easily maintained and accessible through a dedicated e-Learning website.
• Offer e-Learning through small modules and provide management information for learners and, where relevant, for their line managers.
• Develop within a cost model that minimises the risk to Star and takes full advantage of development economies over time.

“We believe e-Learning is an important step forward and, through our new portfolio, we aim to play a fundamental role in helping engineers across the industry to reach levels of accreditation through new and innovative methods. Bourne's collaborative approach has helped us in the first steps to achieve this and they have stood alongside side us to overcome some of the challenges we have faced.”

Graham Stuart, Managing Director - Operations, Star Refrigeration

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Bourne designed and developed the inaugural e-Learning course on The Vapour Compression Cycle, to be launched through the e-Learning website (www.elearning-training.com). Key features include:

• A linear route through the module within a structure that allows direct access to System Overview, System Description and System Operation topics. Within this structure, content is interactive and system elements are introduced through high quality animations.
• Access through the Star e-Learning portal which provides learners with individualised learning materials and supporting reference sources based on their areas of need.
• Regular learner interaction through in-line learning checks and end of module quizzes. At the end of the quizzes, learners are advised which topics they need to revise further.
• Collection of management information through the module for learners to monitor their progress through their study path. Data is provided to advise which topics have been studied and scores for module quizzes.

A taster of the Vapour Compression Cycle module is available at www.elearning-training.com. Further modules on Gas Properties and Laws, Pressure and Pressure Measurement, and Thermodynamics are currently being developed.

“We are very pleased with the initial course and the reaction from the early feedback has been very positive. We are on our way to developing an exemplar range of courses and, together with Bourne, we are confident we can make the desired impact on our industry and play an important part in helping to develop skills through innovative ways of learning.”

Graham Stuart, Managing Director - Operations, Star Refrigeration

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