Schneider National has announced it has received an Excellence in Practice Award from the American Society for Training and Development. In May, the ASTD recognized nine companies with Excellence in Practice Awards, with Schneider National recognized in the Learning Technologies category for its simulation-based driver training program.
ASTD is the world’s largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance professionals. Its 70,000 members and associates come from more than 100 countries and thousands of organizations. The ASTD Excellence in Practice Awards program recognizes companies that achieve measurable results through the use of practices and interventions in workplace learning and performance.
“We are truly honored to be recognized by the world’s foremost organization for training and development professionals,” says Tim Fliss, executive vice president of human resources for Green Bay, Wis.-based Schneider National. “Schneider’s driver training is known as the gold standard within its industry, and the achievement of this distinguished award drives us closer to becoming a most admired company among all industries.”
In 2004, Schneider’s driver training group implemented the use of simulation-based training using ground simulators, equipment similar to flight simulators but designed to develop skills for driving on roadways. Since then, the company has lowered its new driver dropout and termination rates by nearly 10 percent, and lowered accident frequency and severity by as much as 20 percent. Overall, the implementation of simulation-based training has saved Schneider National millions of dollars.
“We are passionate about providing our drivers with the very best training, using the most advanced technology and learning platforms to protect their safety and the safety of the motoring public,” says Don Osterberg, vice president of safety and driver training for Schneider National. “By implementing systems such as MPRI’s driver training simulator, Schneider has created more effective teaching tools and a safer, more productive driver force.”
ASTD’s 2005 Excellence in Practice program received 78 submissions, which went through a blind review process conducted by a panel of experts from the workplace learning and performance field. Programs were recognized in the categories of career development, learning technologies, managing change, organizational learning, performance improvement, technical training, training management, valuing differences, and workplace learning and development.
The eight other organizations selected to receive an Excellence in Practice Award were DaimlerChrysler Motors Co., Farmers Insurance Co., Ford Motor Co., General Motors Service and Parts Operations, Healthways, Hong Kong Housing Authority, IKEA Germany and Progeon.
