Blackjack unveils iCademy

Blackjack Promotions, the staffing solutions, travel retail and experiential specialist, has unveiled a new learning management system tool, called iCademy, specifically aimed at training its ambassadors with tailored learning paths and giving clients complete reassurance of their brand knowledge.

Blackjack’s iCademy is an online tool that goes beyond just training, it will enable Blackjack to monitor and track the progress of each individual student, how they are progressing and where more training is required.

Blackjack’s managing director, Sally Alington, says: “The key differentiator with the Blackjack iCademy is that it’s not just an online training tool, it’s a complete learning management system. It offers clients absolute reassurance on how our people absorb knowledge and enables us to monitor and track their progress.”

Staff logging into the system are presented with a dashboard, from which they can then access their individual course library, achievements (completed courses) and a messaging function. The training courses boast a range of key features including video tutorials and interactive presentations, which they have to watch before taking a final set of questions to test their knowledge.

From an admin perspective, Blackjack can tailor courses for each individual based on the brand they are representing. It also has the ability to set passmarks, thresholds and time limits. Clients are offered the option of pre-approving the questions set out in each test.

Staff are also able to self-enrol on courses, giving them an opportunity to develop themselves and take charge of their own learning. This benefit is geared more towards travel retail, where brands would see the benefit of a wider team being trained on their brands, not just those working on shifts.

Alington adds: “We still believe that face-to-face is the most important training tool, but what iCademy does is supplement and complement what we do. Within our business, we have such a spread of people around the world – to the US and across Europe, so this is a way for us to ensure consistency of message.”

Leanne Nutter, Head of Staffing at Blackjack Promotions, says: “At Blackjack we’re passionate about bringing brands to life. Customer service is key to that and with the new Blackjack iCademy, clients can be sure that our ambassadors are best in class.”

The Blackjack iCademy is the latest in a string of recent efforts by Blackjack Promotions to provide an all-round service for brands. Last year the company launched the Blackjack Make-Up Academy, which specifically trains staff working directly with make-up brands to expand beyond just sales and enable them to carry out makeovers and added value services.