Podcast Summary “Dan Collier – Bridging Technology and Effective Training”
Dan Collier, currently leading Talent and Leadership Development at Suffolk, brings a unique background to the field of Learning and Development (L&D). His career path began in the printing industry, where he initially focused on operational roles. However, Dan discovered his passion for teaching and knowledge-sharing early on. This passion ultimately led him to transition into L&D, where he now focuses on leadership and management training for Suffolk’s employees. Under Dan’s guidance, the company has transformed its approach to training, emphasizing the development of managerial skills that are crucial for Suffolk’s continued growth.
Over his years in L&D, Dan has witnessed significant changes in the field. The rise of eLearning and its evolution into more modern formats, like microlearning and video-based content, have reshaped how training is delivered. Dan highlights the importance of adapting training methods to meet the needs of the modern learner, who often prefers short, focused, and on-demand learning opportunities. Suffolk has embraced cutting-edge technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to create immersive, engaging learning experiences. These technologies provide realistic, hands-on training that is particularly valuable for teaching complex skills.
Despite the increasing integration of technology into corporate training, Dan strongly believes in the continued value of instructor-led training, whether in-person or virtual. He emphasizes that while technology enhances the learning process, it cannot fully replace the human element that is critical for fostering deeper cognitive and behavioral changes. Instructor-led training allows for real-time interaction, feedback, and engagement, which are often essential for effective learning. Dan’s approach to L&D at Suffolk incorporates a balanced mix of traditional and modern training methods to create a comprehensive and adaptable learning environment.
Dan’s entry into L&D is a story of following a passion rather than a pre-planned career path. He initially found joy in teaching others how to operate machinery in the printing industry, which led him to realize that training and mentoring were what truly excited him. This transition from operational work to L&D highlights an important lesson: often, our true interests reveal themselves through unexpected aspects of our jobs. For Dan, L&D was a natural fit, offering him the opportunity to teach, mentor, and guide others on a full-time basis.
Looking to the future, Dan sees several trends continuing to shape the L&D landscape. The use of VR, AR, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is likely to expand, providing even more personalized and efficient learning experiences. AI, in particular, has the potential to streamline content creation and tailor learning paths to individual needs. However, Dan stresses that technology should complement, not replace, instructor-led training. The future of L&D will be about finding the right balance between leveraging new technologies and maintaining the interpersonal, interactive aspects of learning that remain so valuable.
Listen to Dan’s podcast here.
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