Empowering Self-Sufficiency: A Blended Learning Approach to IT Insourcing for a U.S. DoD Agency
2024
Award Winning Project
Sunset Learning Institute was honored with a 2024 Cisco “We Solved IT Together” Award for this project—recognizing it as one of the most impactful customer success initiatives of the year.
CHALLENGE
A large U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) agency was directed to insource a portion of its IT support to strengthen internal capabilities. However, the existing team had varying levels of technical proficiency and required upskilling across critical technologies—including Cisco Collaboration, DNA Center, Software-Defined Access (SDA), and Nexus 9000 Series switching. Initial training sessions revealed significant foundational gaps that posed a risk to the success of the insourcing effort. A scalable, adaptive learning solution was urgently needed.
SUNSET SOLUTION
Sunset Learning Institute (SLI) collaborated with Cisco and key agency stakeholders to create a targeted 7-course training program aligned to mission needs. When gaps in CCNA-level knowledge were identified early in the process, SLI quickly adapted the program to begin with core networking fundamentals.
A blended learning strategy was deployed:
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Instructor-Led Training (ILT): Expert-led technical instruction delivered live.
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Cisco U. All Access: Self-paced digital resources for reinforcement and flexibility.
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Bi-weekly Mentoring Sessions: Live check-ins and guidance to connect learning with real-world use cases.
This approach combined structure, support, and autonomy to ensure effective skill development and knowledge retention.
REPORTED RESULTS
The agency’s IT team now operates with greater independence and efficiency, directly supporting the success of the insourcing initiative.
- Enhanced Skill Set: Through the comprehensive 7-course training program delivered by Sunset Learning Institute, the team has acquired critical skills and knowledge necessary for effectively managing and supporting the base’s complex IT infrastructure. Their comprehensive training has directly contributed to their ability to handle complex IT challenges more efficiently, improving their overall performance and operational readiness.
- Increased Self-Sufficiency: By insourcing IT support, the team has become more self-reliant, reducing the need for external assistance. The structured training program empowered them to address a wide range of IT issues internally, fostering a proactive approach to maintaining and optimizing network operations. This shift enhances operational efficiency and strengthens the base’s internal capabilities.
- Continuous Improvement: The incorporation of Cisco U. All Access for ongoing self-study, combined with bi-weekly mentoring sessions with experienced instructors, has created a sustainable model for continuous skill development. This approach ensures that the team remains current with evolving technologies and industry best practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. As a result, the team is better prepared to meet the dynamic demands of their roles.
- Operational Efficiency: The knowledge gained from the training program has led to more efficient and effective IT operations, minimizing downtime and enhancing overall productivity. As the team grows more familiar with the network, particularly the Nexus 9000 series of switches and other critical technologies, their ability to swiftly address and resolve issues has significantly improved, directly benefiting the base’s mission-critical activities.