DEFIANCE, Ohio — Chief Super Market here plans to install computers dedicated to computer-based training (CBT) in its 12 stores by Nov. 1, said Stephanie Skylar, president and chief executive officer.
CBT classes that employees can take on an individual basis on the store computers will begin in January. The initiative is an extension of the retailer's Chief University, an internally developed educational program started in 2009 with such "live" classes as HR/legal responsibilities, department manager 101, manager-on-duty training and a mandatory customer-service training class; a meat operations class is under development.
The classes, led by in-house instructors, are designed to "help us get people ready to grow within the company," said Skylar.
CBT classes had been available for employees to take via home computers, but Chief decided to limit the training to store computers to make it easier to securely access the company server, Skylar said. Employees have expressed interest in the in-store CBT opportunity, she noted.
"Over the last few weeks people have been saying, 'How do I get started?'"
Thus far classes such as HR/legal responsibilities, department manager 101 and produce operations have been converted to CBT form, using video clips and PowerPoint presentations from live classes, with other classes to follow. However, the food-safety certification class will remain in-person only and classes like produce operations may require a hands-on piece, said Skylar, adding. "We're still feeling our way."