To provide Linklaters with a flexible and varied training solution across 27 offices globally, in support of their highly critical Microsoft Office 2003 to Office 2010 migration project.

During initial discussions and a formal presentation process, Linklaters were given a variety of learning options to mix and match, that included classroom, seminar, online and workshops in order to meet their organisational structure requirements.

Linklaters’ chosen blended training approach was to use both traditional and distance learning, which catered for their international offices and those working outside of normal working hours. Training session content needed to range from basic skills in all Office 2010 applications, to the more advanced sessions such as enhanced Excel and Visio 2010. Different formats were also required to suit employees’ heavy and time-consuming workloads, as well as being able to span across different time zones.

All training delivery and materials needed to be bespoke, to reflect the customised applications used within the law firm.

Our challenge was to source a team of Microsoft certified global trainers with the ability to deliver training in fluent English as well as the local language. They also needed to be flexible towards travelling to other regional offices and proficient in various styles of delivery in order to ensure that the Linklaters training budget was maximised at all times.

Project administrators in the form of on- site personnel in the UK and Asia were required to manage training bookings, cancellations and office logistics, as well as handling queries from trainers and learners on a 24/7 basis across the globe

Working alongside our global training partners, we conducted a large recruitment campaign, sourcing trainers for each office to deliver classroom training in English - with an understanding of the local language. In order to provide a real time and an online solution for employees, web conferencing sessions were planned across the 3 time zones of Asia, Europe (including UK) and the Americas.

To ensure that the trainers were familiar with Linklaters’ customised use of applications and to have an understanding of their learning culture, a two-week intensive induction programme was arranged ahead of the roll out. In addition, a team of backup trainers were provided to cover any cases of absenteeism.

Specialist trainers were also recruited to train a global user group on Project, Visio, and advanced Excel. This was again conducted via live web conferencing facilities.

A user-friendly 24/7 online system was provided for learners to book relevant courses which was managed by the project administrators, who were also responsible for further training deployment activities. These included:

• Scheduling course timetables
• Dealing with cancellations and re- bookings
• Liaising with the relevant offices and booking training rooms
• Securing flights and accommodation

To ensure coverage of all time zones, extra resources were on hand in New York and Hong Kong to manage the scheduling of courses, under the guidance of the UK team

• 5,000 employees, in 27 offices, across 19 countries successfully trained over a 4 week period
• 1,200 classroom sessions delivered
• 300 live web conferencing sessions conducted by 5 trainers
• 45 trainers and administrators initially interviewed with 29 successfully approved and recruited to the project
• 2 specialist master trainers used to teach advanced user group skills, delivering 14 specialist live online sessions within 20 days
• 2 administrators employed on a full time basis for 40 days throughout the deployment

From an initial consultation and tendering process, to the above results being achieved, the Linklaters Office 2010 migration training project ran according to the agreed schedule throughout and within budget