On the Scene at GSX: ASSA ABLOY Academy upgrades learning experience platform
ASSA ABLOY has unveiled a redesigned and easier to use Learning Experience Platform (LXP) for ASSA ABLOY Academy, the company’s expansive e-learning and in-person training system. The education innovation will continue in 2023 when ASSA ABLOY Academy adds its own Locksmith Academy.
The ASSA ABLOY Academy LXP is designed to educate door and hardware professionals about proper installation techniques, how to identify common issues, maintaining code compliance and the latest product innovations to help to enhance building safety, security, convenience and performance. The site features a full spectrum of training, from fundamentals through intermediate courses to advanced level learning.
Classes are broken into three levels for the four professions listed on the site — locksmith, contract hardware or wholesaler, systems integrator and architect or design professional, Tom Seidel, manager of training and education, ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions, explained at GSX 2022. Beginners start out with fundamentals and progress through intermediate and advanced courses.
ASSA ABLOY describes the LXP as “hub-like,” where the large selection of e-learning, in-person and virtual instructor-led training, continuing-education courses and webinars are housed in a centralized environment. Content can be searched by subject or brand, which makes browsing courses much easier.
The LXP also incorporates “smart learning” AI to inform users of related courses or suggested learning paths targeted at specific job functions.
About 70 classes are offered — some online and some in-person, instructor-led at ASSA ABLOY’s seven U.S. training centers. ASSA ABLOY Academy also maintains an extensive video library of previous classes as a reference. Every online class is free, as are about 95 percent of the in-person classes, Seidel notes.
“The beauty of this learning system is that customers can use the tool as if it was their own,” says Mark Brewer, AHC, PSP, director, learning experience platform administration, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas. “Customers, whether they are locksmiths, architects or design professionals, system integrators or in the contract hardware or wholesale business, can create customized training modules for their employees to continue their development and improve their skill level as part of a company’s career path management.”
After an employee registers for an account in the LXP, their email address will be matched automatically to the employer’s account. Their manager can assign training courses for the security pro’s specific track and level as well as monitor progress and completion. Employees can monitor their own progress by using a custom dashboard for career path management. The dashboard displays timelines of activities and achievements at a glance.
In addition, ALOA and Door Hardware Institute continuing-education credits are earned when courses are completed.
Locksmith Academy
Seidel gave a preview of the ASSA ABLOY Locksmith Academy, which he describes as part of the solution to a problem many commercial lockshops face: how to hire, train and retain new employees.
Locksmith Academy sessions will be in person, with plenty of hands-on training. Classes will last a week and a half.
The first session will be a test run in November at the ASSA ABLOY training center in Ontario, California. After the curriculum is finalized, Seidel expects two sessions to be scheduled in 2023.
To learn more about the new ASSA ABLOY Academy LXP and take it for a test-drive, go to https://learn.assaabloyacademy.com/learn.
