Managed learning service (MLS) partners are widely celebrated for their comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that support enterprise-wide learning initiatives over extended periods. These partnerships leverage the MLS provider's expertise, processes, and operational scale to manage and deploy learning programs seamlessly across an organisation. However, the value of an MLS partner extends far beyond these long-term commitments.

An MLS partner like GP Strategies (GP) can offer an array of expertise, infrastructure, relationships, and capabilities that can be rapidly deployed to address any learning challenge, whether it spans years, months, or only a few weeks. This flexibility ensures that your organisation can meet its learning needs efficiently and effectively, regardless of the project’s scope and duration.

 

Addressing Organisational Challenges with an MLS Partner

Learning leaders must constantly weigh the benefits of using internal resources against the costs and impacts of leveraging external partners. While your team may meet 90% of your business needs, the remaining 10% might pose challenges that could disrupt. This is where an MLS partner can add tremendous value.

Organisations often rely on a dedicated team of learning professionals who possess deep business knowledge and design strategies tailored to meet their unique needs. When an urgent learning requirement arises, driven by pressing business-performance issues, the solution must be both timely and effective. In these situations, MLS partners bring a wealth of resources to accelerate the design and deployment of learning, ensuring that high-quality programs are delivered swiftly.

Rather than taking on every element of the learning-value stream, a short-term engagement with an MLS partner can bring significant benefits. These include reducing organisational risk, providing access to additional resources and processes, and shortening timelines—all of which increase your likelihood of success.

 

 

Key MLS Capabilities and Resources

• Design Support Flexibility: During peak demand periods, your team may struggle to keep learning design uninterrupted and efficient. MLS partners offer additional resources to ensure effective support.
• Trainer Resourcing: When specialised trainers are needed, filling skills gaps can be challenging. MLS partners provide a network of experienced facilitators across various industries to meet this need.
• Trainer Qualification: Establishing trainer selection and qualifications standards can be time-consuming and complex. MLS partners bring expertise in creating these standards and offer solutions for adequate staffing and upskilling.
• Scheduling and Planning: Managing logistics and aligning trainer resources with deployment schedules can strain internal teams. MLS partners offer full learning administration support, serving as an extension of your team.
• Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT): Ensuring high-quality support for virtual training programs can be difficult for organisations with limited internal resources. MLS partners provide producers and social moderators who deliver flexible and qualified support
• Technology Ecosystem: Inevitably there is always a technology component to learning, and navigating and mastering the tools can be challenging. MLS partners offer deep expertise and understanding of the technology ecosystem, what tools to leverage, and when to use them.
• Measurement and Reporting Resources: Developing effective measurement systems and reporting standards that align with business objectives can be challenging. MLS partners offer these valuable resources, including measurement maps and learning organisation health assessments tailored to your needs.

 

Examples of Successful Short-Term MLS Partnerships

Qualified Staffing for Global Compliance Training

Large-scale training deployments, particularly for global businesses, require expansive resourcing, development, and delivery capabilities. For example, one of our clients was under pressure to deliver a global risk and compliance program across their workforce in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia.

The client opted to design the content and the standards for the trainers, but they had trouble finding qualified trainers around the world with the appropriate background to deliver the training they needed. In partnership with the client, GP developed a strategy to source and coach trainers in every region and drive the expansion of trainer certification.

In this instance, the client leveraged our global footprint and existing trainer network to build their base of qualified trainers. In only four months, the program was successfully deployed with a global training delivery team of 80 qualified trainers.

 

Event Design Delivery for Deeper Engagement

While the previous case illustrates the benefit of leveraging an MLS partner for a global program, smaller-scale engagements also benefit.

Another global GP Strategies client based in the Middle East developed a strategy to bring high-potential female leaders to their region to develop global relationships with company leaders and build a culture that embraces diversity in leadership.

A key component of this initiative was to host an event to build the confidence of female leaders across the enterprise. The client quickly recognised that the need to build content, source speakers, and organise the event was beyond their in-house capabilities. As they considered teaming with various partners, they discovered that global services include event management and DEI training and that GP already has programs for women in leadership as well as a global faculty and consulting network.

As a result, the client reduced the delivery time and hosted the event in less than three months. The event also resulted in the development of the client’s internal networks.

 

3 Tips for Selecting an MLS Partner

While many providers offer similar core services, the difference between a good MLS and a great one lies in the quality of its people, its experience in delivering across the value stream, and its ability to meet cost and timing requirements. When choosing an MLS partner, consider the following:

• Capabilities, Experience, Expertise, and Reputation: Review partner proposals, presentations, and follow-up inquiries to evaluate their capabilities and experience. Investigate the supplier’s expertise and reputation: look for industry experience, long-term customer relationships, multiple contract renewals, and expanding scope and services.
• The Relationship Model: Understand the partner’s approach and operating model to evaluate daily working dynamics.
• Examine how the supplier structures their teams and manages projects.
• Assess their communication protocols and escalation processes.
• Determine their decision-making framework and how it aligns with your organisation’s workflow.
• Ensure they have a clear, transparent reporting system for tracking progress and performance.
• Value Beyond Scope: Consider the partner’s response time, management style, and capacity for agility and flexibility. Speak with references and ask them:
• Does the supplier match your company’s culture?
• Does it add value and bring innovative ideas to the partnership?
• Has the support team been stable and easy to work with?
• Are issues addressed and resolved promptly and properly?

By following these tips, you can identify critical differentiators and choose a good fit for your organisation to ensure an effective and long-lasting MLS partnership.

 

Leveraging MLS Partners for Diverse Needs

MLS partners have experience working across organisations and are familiar with everything from strategy and innovation to rapid development and delivery. Their ability to scale resources, offer specialized expertise, and manage complex projects allows internal teams to focus on strategic priorities while ensuring that learning needs are met efficiently.

Whether your organisation needs to roll out a comprehensive training program over several years or a targeted learning intervention in a matter of weeks, an MLS partner can deliver the required solutions with speed and precision, driving organisational performance and growth.

 

 

Dan Miller 

Senior Vice President at GP Strategies