Skip to main content

A customised learning platform to improve Manager Training Program for US Beef

About US Beef

US Beef is the largest franchisee of Arby’s Restaurant Group. The US Beef footprint today serves guests in 330 restaurants across eight contiguous Midwest and Western US states.

Key project features

Kineo Open source learning platform
Kineo Performance improvement
Kineo Award winning

THE CHALLENGE

Moving on from a labor intensive program

Historically, US Beef used a structured ‘mentored apprenticeship’ model that saw trainees undergo a six-week paper based program working directly with training managers. The program was delivered in three two-week phases, each addressing approximately 5-10 skills areas.

The program consisted of training managers leading trainees through observations, practical exercises and evaluating trainee's ability to perform the skills needed as restaurant managers. Although the program delivered results, it was a very laver intensive process and required highly skilled training managers to assess trainees at each stage of the program. The program also required significant paperwork upkeep and organisation from training managers.

OUR SOLUTION

A new approach to training

Kineo partnered with US Beef to expand their current manager training program (MTP) in order to create a new approach to training. The program needed to better suit the culture of US Beef, be rolled out on a wider scale and more efficient. With the implementation of a customised Totara Learn platform US Beef were able to introduce the significant technology support that the MTP needed.

This included:

  • trainees accessing and completing skills areas online
  • tracking trainees progress and completed courses
  • customised courses in compliance, professional skills and leadership to prepare trainees for US Beef franchises
  • supporting HR with performance management.

The LMS also incorporated customisation so that the enhanced program was simplistic enough for both trainee and training managers to use. Customisations such as:

  • clear dashboards
  • summary of the learning plan with US Beef specific appraisals and assessments process incorporated.

THE RESULTS

A more efficient program

US Beef has seen excellent results from its Totara LMS so far. Training Managers can now train twice as many trainees simultaneously as with the previous system, making the training process much more efficient.

Senior Leaders and Training Coordinators in the organisation now have greater visibility into employee progress. Training Managers now require less support from District Managers owing to the more robust structure and support.

As well as this, US Beef and Kineo were awarded a Gold award in the Best Blended Learning category in the Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards.

"When Kineo said they wanted to submit our MTP for an award, we were really excited. Not because we thought we would win, but because they’re such a great partner, and it made us feel confident knowing Kineo had that level of pride in our project. So many people worked tirelessly on this assignment."

Bo Davis, US Beef chief operating officer, who led this initiative.