SchlumbergerSema

How QA developed and deployed a custom blended learning programme for leading technology services company SchlumbergerSema.

The challenge

When the application development teams at SchlumbergerSema wanted to acquire leading edge .NET and XML skills to develop n-tier scalable applications, the company turned to QA. At the time, .NET technologies were just on the verge of commercial release, but SchlumbergerSema wanted to gain competitive advantage by being early adopters of the technology.

The Solution

Early meetings with SchlumbergerSema defined the training needs around XML and the then emerging .NET development tools - specifically C# and Visual Basic .NET. SchlumbergerSema’s upcoming projects also meant that Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft BizTalk skills would be required. It was also decided that the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certification should be used to validate acquired skills and to provide a commercial differentiator for the team.

The team of SchlumbergerSema’s sixty developers had their skills assessed via a detailed training needs analysis process – which helped to create a focused training path for each member of the team, against the overall goals of the development team and SchlumbergerSema business.

Training was delivered using a blended programme of classroom training, workshops and e-learning. The programme integrated the Microsoft Official Curriculum with third-party training resources and learning modules developed by QA, in conjunction with Microsoft, specifically for SchlumbergerSema. This included a ten-day .NET ‘jump-start’ programme, which proved to be a highly effective and targeted way to provide initial .NET training.

The project was a success, not only providing SchlumbergerSema with .NET and XML skills which helped reduce application development times while building more-scalable applications, it also resulted in QA gaining Microsoft’s coveted ‘Certified Technical Education Centre (CTEC) Solution of the Year’ award for Western Europe.

Chris Lee, UK Training Manager, SchlumbergerSema: “This successful training solution was developed through close collaboration and a partnership approach. QA was able to build on its preferred supplier status by working closely with SchlumbergerSema to further develop their knowledge and understanding of our business. This ensures that the training solution is focussed on our business goals and delivers the necessary skills and competence required.”