Responding to employee requests for additional professional development opportunities, UTMB launched an extensive online library of books, training courses, videos and other learning assets in July.
The UT System Learning Zone is a no-cost, self-paced environment that covers a wide variety of subjects to meet the diverse training needs of UTMB’s workforce. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any web-enabled device, including smartphones, tablets and desktop computers.
“The UT System Learning Zone is a significant way for UTMB to support the value of lifelong learning within our institution and fosters continued professional development for all of our employees and staff members,” said Jorge De La Garza, a consultant in Human Resources Talent and Organizational Development division.
De La Garza said the initiative to launch the UT System Learning Zone was spurred by concerns from the Employee Advisory Council regarding a scarcity of professional development opportunities for employees. In the past, classes—such as those teaching skills for the ubiquitous Microsoft Office applications—would fill up nearly as soon as they were announced and thus were available for a limited number of employees.
“This opens up training and professional development opportunities to everyone at UTMB and helps us fill in the gap for training that was identified by the EAC,” De La Garza said. “And the timing is perfect because employees and managers can use the UT System Learning Zone to help them plan out their My Road Ahead goals for this fiscal year.”
The online learning environment is powered by Skillsoft®, a global provider of cloud-based learning solutions, and includes training for desktop applications, business skills, leadership and management, time management, conflict resolution and a host of other topics including:
- Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint
- Information technology and security
- Budget and financial management
- Acquisition management
- Project management skills
- HR development
De La Garza said the short-term goal for the UT System Learning Zone at UTMB is to show The University of Texas System that the institution is utilizing the training that employees have craved for so long.
“This is an excellent opportunity for all employees to access training in a convenient format right from their computers or phones,” he said. “It doesn’t get much easier to continue your professional development and enhance your knowledge and skills.”