Banking Onboarding Acceleration

The existing banking teller 24-week onboarding program was a mix of legacy content and disconnected internal curricula.

The Problem: The program was bloated with outdated courses and excessive testing. Feedback from the field suggested the training didn't reflect the reality of current branch operations.
The Risk: Staffing shortages intensified as new hires remained in "training mode" for nearly half a year right after the COVID lockdown.

I partnered with the Director of Retail Banking and the Compliance Legal team to audit the existing curriculum.

Managing Resistance: Some stakeholders were concerned that a shorter program would "water down" the training. I used data to show that the 24-week program contained redundant content and "passive" learning hours.
LMS Data Analysis: I utilized LMS reporting to perform a "Time-on-Task" analysis. This data revealed specific "low-value" courses with high completion times but low impact on performance scores.
SME Collaboration: I worked with top-performing tellers to identify the "critical tasks" performed daily, ensuring the new 14-week path focused on high-frequency, high-risk actions.

I designed a blended regulatory compliant blended learning program that integrated the bank’s proprietary curriculum into a modern delivery model.

The Optimized Blend: The solution integrated e-learning for theory, virtual facilitation for group discussion, call-listening sessions for soft skills, and structured in-branch training for hands-on practice.
Modernization: I eliminated redundant testing and replaced outdated courses with streamlined, CIRO-compliant modules.
Branch-Based Simulations: I replaced 40 hours of lecture with 15 hours of immersive simulations.
Why this modality: This approach ensured that the bank's own curriculum remained central, but was delivered in a way that respected the learner’s time and the branch’s staffing needs. By removing the "noise" of outdated content, tellers could focus on high-impact, compliant behaviors.

The optimization resulted in a faster, more compliant workforce.

10-Week Reduction: Successfully cut 40% of the onboarding time without a drop in performance scores.
Regulatory Compliance: 100% alignment with new CIRO standards, verified by the internal audit team.
Operational Efficiency: Reduced "training fatigue" for new hires and decreased the time-to-productivity for all retail branches.

Module of an e-course with the following design highlights:

Strategic Chunking: Content is broken into digestible segments to prevent learner fatigue.
Multimodal Delivery: Balanced use of video and text accommodates different learning preferences.
Streamlined Navigation: A focused interface allows learners to move seamlessly through complex topics.

Note: I developed the e-course with Articulate Rise; I developed the explainer video using Vyond.

Curriculum Map Document: This document contains the high-level needs analysis, learning goals and curriculum map of which courses will go where.

Play video to view a sample eCourse module

Reduce the teller onboarding and certification timeline from 24 weeks to 16 weeks while maintaining strict regulatory standards.

Click image to download & view the Curriculum Map