Whitbread staff train with tablets

Whitbread is rolling out a tablet PC-based e-learning solution in 400 of its UK pubs, restaurants, hotels and leisure clubs following a successful six-month pilot scheme.

The system, developed by e-learning specialist Creative Learning Media (CLM), is being used to teach frontline staff about issues such as food safety, cellar management and health and safety.

Traditionally, the hospitality sector has shunned computer-based training because a high proportion of its workers are unfamiliar with PCs.

However, the intuitive, pen-based interface and rich multimedia capabilities of the tablet PC make it ideal for use in such an environment, according to CLM managing director Richard Taylor.

"The system has the same look and feel as video games, which most of the staff already know and love," he said.

One module features a 3D simulation of someone encountering a rubbish bin on fire. Trainees must decide how to deal with the problem and the simulation develops according to their responses.

Another presents a video sequence of an incompetent chef breaking food safety rules and the trainee has to spot his errors.

Other modules pose puzzle-style problems, such as asking users to place a series of foods into their correct storage medium - cupboard, fridge or freezer.

Taylor said the fun, interactive nature of the e-learning system made it far more effective than traditional training methods.

"Give people a six-point health and safety plan and it generally goes out of their mind straight away. The use of video, sound and game-type elements makes the process incredibly memorable for trainees," he explained.

Malcolm Bland, project manager at Whitbread, said the portability of the tablet PC was also a major advantage since it enables staff to carry out training anywhere, at any time.

"There are often quiet periods of the day when staff have little to do, so it's easy to grab the tablet PC and find a quiet spot," he said.

"Last summer you'd often see a chef sitting under an umbrella in the garden going through one of the course modules, for example."

Whitbread plans to have the system in all its Brewer's Fayre, Brewsters and David Lloyd Leisure outlets by July.