Enhancing Field Productivity and Compliance Through Remote Learning: Openreach’s Training Success with SkillsBase
In the UK, Openreach is responsible for building and maintaining the national digital network that connects millions of homes and businesses. Renowned for its innovation, Openreach continuously invests in its workforce to improve service delivery. To boost field productivity and reduce costly training recalls, Openreach turned to SkillsBase to implement a scalable, mobile-first remote learning solution.
Before SkillsBase
Openreach’s large field workforce couldn’t easily pause their daily tasks for in-person upskilling. Training centres were frequently at full capacity, with long waitlists and delays. Trainers lacked ongoing visibility into whether engineers were applying best practices, and critical compliance issues weren’t being tracked or addressed in real time.
To modernise their approach, Openreach needed a reliable, scalable remote learning solution that supported independent learning, reduced in-person training demand, and enabled better post-training support.
With SkillsBase
SkillsBase delivered a secure, mobile remote learning platform that helped Openreach digitise their training, reduce classroom reliance, and maintain high compliance standards:
- ZDigitised 360° training content including videos, step-by-step guides, and quizzes
- ZRemote pre-training allowed engineers to learn at their own pace and upload evidence of practical learning conveniently
- ZQuestion bank quiz enabled remote proof of learning, with manager alerts for failed assessments
- ZManagers and trainers were able to use an online dashboard for remote proof of compliance, providing aftercare and follow-up to prevent skills fade
- Z Ongoing photo uploads by engineers validate continued compliance with work practices
Results
SkillsBase’s remote learning platform helped Openreach save time, reduce costs, and improve training outcomes across their field workforce.
- ZSaves time for engineers, managers, and trainers, allowing focus on critical activities
- ZReallocates training school resources to critical training by deploying simple theory-based content
- ZInstantly issues work practices to the field from a single location, eliminating the need for email notifications
- ZEnhances learning retention by combining app-based training with face-to-face education
- ZUtilises app data and engineer photos to create a feedback loop, adapting training procedures and ensuring process and product changes
The Results Speak for Themselves
From time saved to cost reduced, SkillsBase delivered tangible results that transformed how Openreach trains and supports its workforce remotely.
Saved per engineer for training vs face to face education
Saved on travel and training subsistence costs.
Engineers have the skills to connect more customers, faster
Engineers enjoyed this new way of learning at their own pace
Benefits
Implementing SkillsBase’s remote learning tools delivered major benefits to Openreach, boosting productivity, streamlining operations, and improving workforce compliance:
- NBoosted efficiency and productivity by keeping engineers in the field, minimising downtime
- NReduced reliance on in-person training through effective remote solutions, saving time and resources
- NStrengthened learning and compliance via interactive quizzes and photo documentation
- NEmpowered managers with an online dashboard to verify compliance, provide feedback, and manage aftercare
- NEnhanced adaptability and field intelligence, enabling quicker and more effective responses to challenges
TESTIMONIALS
What Openreach Says About SkillsBase
Hear directly from the team at Openreach on how SkillsBase helped them transform training, streamline compliance, and support engineers in the field.
It was a joy to work with the SkillsBase team. They created high-quality material and hosted it on their mobile app for delivery. The photo uploading tools allow us to approve engineer compliance remotely, which allows me to get my team fully operational much faster than with previous methods. My team also made use of SkillsBase as a follow-up and aftercare resource, ensuring that they are well-supported at all times, even when in the field.
Revolutionise Your Training and Compliance with SkillsBase
SkillsBase delivers interactive digital training through videos, quizzes, and guides that support remote learning at scale. Empower your team to learn independently, report real-time progress, and maintain compliance from anywhere.