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I need our people expert in their role

Role-specific training

Some roles need deep, specific expertise, whether it's a trade, a profession or a specialist field. We work alongside your subject experts to turn what they know into learning that builds real competence, pitched at the right level for each role.

Two young tradespeople fit a new water connection in an open trench.

Sound familiar?

When do you need role-specific training?

“Our experts are retiring, and taking what they know with them.”

“Training new people depends on one very busy expert.”

“We need to show people are competent, not just that they attended.”

“The technical content is accurate, but nobody can follow it.”

Our approach

How does role-specific training work?

01

Capture the expertise

Structured sessions with your subject experts, so their time goes on what only they know.

02

Structure it by level

We organise the content from foundation to advanced, so people build on what they already know.

03

Build in practice

Realistic tasks and scenarios let people apply the knowledge, not just read it.

04

Check competence

Assessment that shows people can do the job, in a way your organisation can rely on.

FAQs

Questions we get asked about role-specific training

How much time will our subject experts need to give?

Less than you'd think. We use structured briefings and content templates so experts can share what they know quickly, and we do the heavy lifting from there.

What's the difference between this and systems training?

Role-specific training builds expertise in the work itself. Systems training helps people use the software and tools that support that work.

How do you show people are competent, not just that they attended?

We build in realistic tasks and scenarios so people apply what they know, then assess in a way that shows they can do the job and that your organisation can rely on.

What kinds of roles is role-specific training for?

Roles that need deep, specific expertise, such as a trade, a profession or a specialist field. Recent work includes a dairy apprenticeship for Fonterra, a plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentice programme for Skills Consulting Group, and baggage handler training for Air New Zealand.

Testimonials

What our clients say

The initiative is highly cost-effective and provides an efficient and flexible learning environment for students. There are ongoing returns from higher margins from such a low-touch offering, with automated online delivery, assessment and certification.
CBE General Manager
It was great working with you and I have recommended you to others here.
Compliance Advisor, DOC
They provide an end to end solution, and are real (experts) in what they do. We feel like we've found a partner who will help us and our people on our customer development journey.
Customer Experience Development Manager, Auckland One Rail
I have had the pleasure of working with the Optimism team over the last 14 months. In my opinion they are professional, efficient, thoughtful and innovative. They have helped me deliver my project outcomes of a highly engaging learning pathway and if I had the opportunity I would jump at the chance to work with them again.
Dairy Apprenticeship Manager, Fonterra
NZSTA has been working with Optimism for over two years now and we have always found our dealings with them to be professional and effective. They truly care about our business and continue to look for innovative solutions for our needs. They are approachable and supportive and great at keeping us on track. I would thoroughly recommend them to any progressive organisation.
Operations Manager, NZ School Trustees Association (NZSTA)
We partnered with Optimism to transform our internal knowledge and expertise in to learning that is accessible to all existing and new people to our organisation. We wanted to create learning solutions that aligned to our business goals and objectives. With Optimism we are making a difference.
People Development Manager, Fisher & Paykel Finance
It was really great working with Optimism. They took the time to understand our learning objectives and align the online activities with the needs of our learners. There was variety in the designs and consideration of the practical nature of our apprenticeship programme. Progress was sound and we were kept up to date all the way through.
Quality and Programme Development, Skills Consulting Group
Optimism worked with us on a range of digital learning solutions to help health and social service workers engage with Pasifika people. We were thrilled with the results. The learning experiences Optimism created were engaging, relevant and culturally appropriate. We highly recommend working with the Optimism team.
Relationship & Cultural Manager, Le Va
We partnered with Optimism to transform our internal product knowledge in to e-learning that is accessible for our global sales teams. From the initial consultation through to development and delivery they demonstrated patience and true business partnering in their flexible approach to our business and strategy.
Sales Capability Specialist - Global Ingredients, Fonterra
The team at Optimism were always professional - they did what they said they would do and asked excellent questions to understand our needs. The mix of digital and traditional modalities was a perfect fit for our people and we've had great feedback from participants. We have also cut down training time and improved on the rate to competency time frame. We're thrilled with the result!
Training Manager, Ground Operations Training, Air New Zealand
Optimism have been highly responsive to our needs, consistently adapting to feedback, and ensuring that the final modules aligned with our expectations. We greatly appreciate your professionalism, flexibility, and commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes. I would not hesitate to recommend your services to any organization looking for tailored, impactful learning solutions.
Director, Care Operations, Selwyn Village

Need specialist expertise built into a role?

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