How Workforce Training Programs Drive Association Impact

How Workforce Training Programs Drive Association Impact

Associations often find themselves at the center of industry challenges, especially when member organizations face workforce shortages and skills gaps. In an ASAE article, Jill Marshall of Artisan Learning highlights how the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) addressed these issues by designing an innovative training program that reshaped onboarding and retention for steel fabricators nationwide.

When AISC recognized that many new hires were leaving within the first 90 days, it turned to Artisan Learning to build a scalable e-learning solution. Rather than overwhelming workers with technical theory, the program focused on practical tasks that new employees encounter on the job, such as measuring parts or moving beams. To make training relevant, the team created learner personas, ultimately concentrating on “Maybes,” those uncertain employees who could succeed with the proper support. The modules allowed new hires to practice real skills while complementing mentorship in fabrication shops.

The results were striking. Within three months, employees from 150 companies completed more than 1,000 modules. One large member company abandoned its internal training plans in favor of AISC’s program, and the initiative went on to win multiple industry awards, including a Brandon Hall Gold Award.

For associations, Marshall underscores three key takeaways: leveraging member expertise across networks, designing training with learners in mind, and shifting from knowledge-heavy models to action-driven learning. Associations that embrace workforce training not only help solve industry-wide labor challenges but also strengthen loyalty by delivering measurable member value.