Imagine trying to manage and purchase thousands of apprenticeship training seats across 52 trades, 16 training providers, and six intakes per year.
That was the reality our client faced.
Manual processes for allocating those seats were a tangled web of paper spreadsheets (pencils and a big pink eraser), endless emails, and constant risk of errors and delays – a significant drain on resources and a major impediment to efficient program delivery.
This wasn’t just about inefficiency.
It was about missed opportunities.
Inaccurate seat allocations led to frustrated apprentices, increased costs, and a growing inability to scale training programs effectively to meet industry workforce demands.
To tackle this challenge, our team embraced a combination of Design Thinking and Agile Innovation.
The results?
A staggering 815% ROI ($23M / year savings) achieved through a blend of machine learning, automation, and a relentless focus on data driven insights to create value based outcomes.
Here’s what we learned (steal this formula – it is direct indicator of success)
Crucially, we had a champion in our business sponsor – someone who not only understood the technology but also possessed an inquisitive mindset, constantly pushing us to challenge assumptions and explore new possibilities.
Deeply Understand the Problem
Design Thinking workshops revealed the true pain points – the chaos and the missed opportunities.
Agile Experimentation Fuels Innovation
A “Formulate → Test → Validate or Pivot” approach accelerated learning and minimized risk.
Data-Driven Decisions Power Continuous Improvement
Real-time dashboards provided actionable insights, leading to ongoing operational enhancements designed using a fusion team concept.
Fusion Teams Drive Transformative Results
Combining business and technology expertise created a powerful engine for innovation.
This project wasn’t just about implementing machine learning.
It was about fundamentally rethinking how the client operated in real time.
We have since scaled this approach to other client projects with great success – so steal this model.
Want to learn more about how Design Thinking + Agile Delivery can unlock significant ROI for your organization?
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