Background

Tesco, a global leader in the retail sector, operates in 14 countries and is committed to supporting employee development. From specialized skills training to leadership programs, Tesco focuses on equipping its workforce with the knowledge and tools they need to excel. Tesco Academy is the company’s dedicated learning hub, supporting training and development across all levels.

Challenges

Tesco needed a comprehensive LMS that could address three critical requirements:

• User Experience: The LMS had to offer an engaging and intuitive user experience to maximize staff engagement.
• Advanced Program Management: The learning team needed sophisticated tools to manage a wide range of training programs, from basic compliance to advanced leadership courses.
• Cost Efficiency: With over 400,000 employees globally, per-user license fees were financially unfeasible, prompting a search for an open-source platform with a cost-effective subscription model.

The LMS also needed to support scalability across Tesco’s diverse international workforce, adapting to local needs without sacrificing central oversight.

Solution

Tesco Academy implemented Totara Learn to create a scalable and feature-rich LMS that met all its requirements. Key features and customizations included:

• Customizable Page Templates: High-impact page templates allowed Tesco to design intuitive, user-friendly layouts, enhancing the learner experience and driving engagement.
• Comprehensive Course Management: The platform offered essential tools like learning paths, online course booking, wait-listing, manager approvals, and course feedback, all of which improved program management efficiency.
• Sophisticated Reporting and Analytics: Totara Learn’s reporting capabilities enabled Tesco to generate detailed insights into training impact and compliance, supporting data-driven decision-making.
• Cost Savings through Open-Source Technology: The open-source nature of Totara Learn eliminated per-user fees, helping Tesco save over £1 million annually on licensing costs.

Results

The adoption of Totara Learn brought about substantial benefits for Tesco Academy:

• Over £1 Million in Annual Savings: By moving to a cost-effective, open-source LMS, Tesco saved more than £1 million each year on licensing costs alone.
• Positive Learner Feedback: Employees at all levels praised the LMS for its ease of use, program relevance, and positive impact on learning outcomes.
• Enhanced Engagement and Usability: Customized templates and intuitive navigation created a learner-friendly experience, making it easier for employees to access and engage with training.
• Scalability Across Global Operations: The platform’s scalability ensured consistent learning opportunities across Tesco’s international locations, empowering staff worldwide to grow and develop in their roles.

Conclusion

With Totara Learn, Tesco Academy succeeded in creating a centralized, scalable learning platform that saved costs, supported advanced program management, and delivered a superior user experience. The LMS became a pivotal resource for employee development, fostering a learning culture that reaches over 400,000 employees globally.