Below is a concise summary of how Lexlife Solutions worked with the SIMTARS business to evolve safety learning process and resources.
Company Introduction:
SIMTARS (Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station) is a Queensland Government organisation dedicated to improving safety and health in the mining and resources sector.
SIMTARS Situation - Pain Points:
SIMTARS has been highly effective in delivering in-person training to mining personnel across Queensland, but this approach presents several challenges:
- Courses were long, up to a week of in-person training.
- It was an expensive exercise. Travel, accommodation, and time away from work.
- Trainers were delivering by long, text heavy powerpoint presentations with inadequate assessments.
They had a new instructional designer who was attempting to develop online resources. Not only was it proving hard to find an instructional designer with the skills and experience required, but it was hard to find someone with the right vision.
The Solution:
SIMTARS engaged Lexlife Solutions to transform their in-person courses into effective, efficient blended learning solutions.
The Lexlife team activated four steps…
Step 1 - Training Needs Analysis
Lexlife Solutions conducted a comprehensive review of SIMTARS’ existing training modules and learner engagement patterns. By experiencing the courses firsthand, the team identified key points of disengagement. Learners were subjected to an entire week of PowerPoint-based presentations, with assessments delivered via paper booklets. Much of the content was introductory in nature, lacking the practical relevance needed to maintain attention and drive meaningful learning outcomes. This format contributed to low engagement and limited retention among participants.
Step 2 - Designing Best-Practice Learning Experiences
Lexlife developed a blended learning model that transitioned introductory content into interactive eLearning strategies. By identifying material suitable for interactive digital delivery, Lexlife created a more flexible and efficient learning pathway.
- Focus on essential knowledge and remove unnecessary content.
- Build mastery through active engagement.
- Ensure compliance was met to produce legitimate certifications.
- Leverage eLearning best practices.
Step 3 - Launch / Go Live & Support
Lexlife’s internal technical team built the new eLearning course design to specification.
Lexlife partnered closely with the SIMTARS education team during rollout, providing support in LMS setup and rollout and continually providing live support for LMS integration and learner queries.
Step 4 - Ongoing Support and Future-Proofing
Lexlife equipped SIMTAR’s internal team with all development files and training to manage future updates independently.
SIMTARS often reach out with the occasional query looking for images, videos and how-to when internal staffing changes. But they can rest assured that Lexlife is always there for the next life saving course to be developed.
The Results:
SIMTARS has more effective and efficient certification learning. Learners spend up to 70% less time than before, 75% savings in training costs, and 20% of the time away from working.
Lexlife Solutions created the learning using only 50% of SIMTARS expected budget allocation.
- 70% reduction in learner time per certification course (from 1 week to 1 day in person and 1.5 hours of online). Saving ~$1000s in costs each time the training course is delivered.
- Development completed at less than the cost of one salaried instructional designer. Saving ~$150000
- SIMTARS online learning programs are now scalable and sustainable, saving lives in mines across QLD more effectively and efficiently.