< Case Studies / U.S. Department of the Navy

U.S. Department of the Navy

Cost and Efficiency

Adoption of a virtual platform was a step-change in the Navy’s ability to save time and money while growing a robust and effective HR training program.

To help encourage adoption of the virtual platform, we ensured that the tools were easy to use and accessible to all clearance levels.

Intuitive Technology

Following each session, we would share the attendance and a session summary, plus the results of the team’s individual or collaborative work.

Data-driven Results

Challenge

In-person HR training sessions are expensive and inconvenient, requiring participants and facilitators to travel for several days and take participants away from their daily responsibilities.

Solution

Launch and support monthly virtual training sessions facilitated by a dedicated trainer and virtual event producer, saving time and travel costs while allowing participants to join from anywhere.

Results

Cost Reduction

Thousands of dollars saved per course

Enthusiastic Engagement

Overwhelming positive feedback to the virtual instructor-led training

Details

Prior to 2020, the Navy had historically relied on in-person training for mandatory HR courses to be held periodically at central locations across the country. While effective in controlled settings, this model proved limiting in terms of cost, scalability, and accessibility. When work-from-home orders were issued during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Navy was motivated to transition to a fully virtual HR training initiative and has continued to support the strategy since then.

While it may have started as a response to the pandemic, the Navy has found other advantages to a virtual-first training program. Facing rising travel costs and scheduling complexities, the Navy’s in-person training facilitator partnered with Behind the Screens to design and implement a comprehensive virtual training solution that would not only reduce expenses but also elevate the learning experience for their diverse workforce.

Behind the Screens has implemented a customized virtual training strategy, designed specifically for large-scale government environments. Key components included:
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT): Hosted via a secure, government-compliant platform with interactive features such as breakout rooms, team assignments, polls, and live Q&A.
On-Demand Content: Session files and asynchronous training materials are available to supplement the facilitator-lead course, accessible 24/7.
Immersive Features: Mid-course surveys and knowledge checks, scenario-based learning, collaborative assignments, and post-training exams increase learner engagement and information retention.
Data & Analytics: Real-time performance tracking helped administrators monitor participation and learner outcomes.

By embracing Behind the Screens’ virtual training design, the Navy successfully modernized its onboarding and ongoing HR training strategy—cutting costs, scaling access, and improving learner outcomes. This case underscores the power of digital transformation in government training, setting a precedent for similar agencies nationwide.