Eurobank uses the Enterprise Skills Initiative to create personalized learning journeys

Aiming to improve technical knowledge within its organization, Eurobank is being established as an Employer of Choice investing in its most valuable asset, its people. In line with its Digital Transformation program, the bank is mandated with migrating 70% of its applications to the cloud by the end of 2025.  The migration project, which is being implemented in collaboration with Microsoft through the Microsoft Azure platform, requires a systematic and efficient approach to employee training needs.  

"We are getting prepared for Eurobank 2030", says Stavroula Papadopoulou, Head of Learning at Eurobank. "We couple state-of-the-art infrastructure with thoroughly trained employees, to offer simple, personalized and secure solutions to our customers. What we needed was a structured curriculum that would help our people enhance their technical expertise in Microsoft and Azure technologies. A tool we could employ to cater for different learning needs and characteristics of a large and diverse group of people". 

Mapping the learning needs

Working closely with Microsoft and Infolab, Microsoft's Technology Training Partner, we started using the Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI) at the end of 2021, helping Eurobank employees gain expert knowledge of Azure technologies through a personalized training experience, properly designed for their role.  "Our infrastructure is gradually being migrated to the cloud, with each IT asset linked to dedicated technical staff supporting its operation. Clearly, our goal is to have all these people properly trained", explains Evi Souli, IT Workforce Management Supervisor at Eurobank. 

In this context, Eurobank made an analysis and mapped all its training needs, in tandem with the phases of the migration process: "Together with Microsoft's Training Experts, we analyzed the roles of our employees, so as to design a comprehensive learning experience ensuring that each employee will be able to set off on their learning journey at exactly the time they need to. We wanted to close the knowledge gap, without jeopardizing our current operation" mentions Souli.

A Personalized learning journey

"We see that our people know exactly what is required to develop in terms of cloud technical know-how, in order to succeed in their roles. With direct access to specific courses and material, they can choose to learn what they need, when they need it. At the same time, a wide range of learning options and methodologies give them the opportunity to meet their training needs through a highly personalized experience. By maintaining full control of their learning path and pace, employees have a stronger feeling of own volition and, thus, higher participation,” says Angeliki Thanou, Learning Partner at Eurobank.  

Eurobank has traditionally embraced a strong culture of learning; more than 200 Technology professionals have already been trained in close to 600 courses by Microsoft, with training courses exceeding 8,500 hours in total. Eurobank skilling plan forecast includes 200 new learners per annum.

Each individual learning plan comprises of a series of courses relevant to each employee and their role, while all employees may also opt to participate in additional courses that will help them gain a deeper understanding of Microsoft technologies.  By further developing their capabilities and skill set, employees add value both to Eurobank's Organization and to its customers. "Our people have embraced the added value a certified training provides, and understand its merits in terms of personal development and employability", says Thanou. 

"Our employees feel the organization's strong support throughout their learning journey", says Souli, noting that "team leaders acknowledge the efforts of their teams, and encourage them by giving the space and the time needed for an undistracted learning experience". This has helped Eurobank establish itself as an Employer of Choice. "Everybody knows we offer our people a high-level learning experience", adds Papadopoulou. "Definitely, this is something that strengthens our ability to attract and retain talent". 

Eurobank continues the journey toward its 2030 goals. "We want to help our employees reach the maximum of their strengths and realize their full potential. Having said that, there is no doubt that our partnership with Microsoft will continue", concludes Papadopoulou.