Orchid was commissioned to design and build a comprehensive operator e-Learning suite to support the paper Operating and Maintenance Manuals previously authored by Orchid for the Ministry of Defence GEM engine test facility.

The objective was to provide a structured, auditable training system that ensured all operators fully understood the safe operation, routine maintenance and associated health and safety risks before being permitted to use the facility.

Requirements

The e-Learning solution needed to:

• Support operator training for basic operation, routine maintenance schedules and safe working procedures.
• Clearly communicate critical safety information, including health risks associated with the cooling water cycle such as Legionella.
• Include formal assessments to confirm operator understanding and competency.
• Record trainee progress and results, providing an auditable training record.
• Generate a printable certificate to confirm successful completion and authorisation to operate the facility.
• Operate entirely offline, as the engine test facility had no internet access for security reasons.

Challenges

The key challenge was delivering a robust e-Learning and assessment system within a self-contained, standalone environment, without reliance on internet connectivity or external learning platforms.

Given the nature of the facility, the training content had to be:

• Technically accurate and clear.
• Consistent with the official operating and maintenance documentation.
• Suitable for use in a highly regulated and security-sensitive environment.

The Solution

Orchid designed and developed a self-contained e-Learning application that could be deployed locally within the facility. The solution combined clear instructional content, technical illustrations and structured assessments to guide operators through:

• Facility overview and basic operation.
• Routine inspection and maintenance activities.
• Safety procedures and hazard awareness.
• Health risks associated with cooling systems and water cycles.
• Emergency considerations and best practice.

The system tracked individual user progress, recorded assessment results and produced a certificate of completion to formally demonstrate operator competency. This ensured the client could meet internal governance, safety and compliance requirements while maintaining a clear audit trail.

The close alignment between the e-Learning content and the previously produced manuals ensured consistency of content and reinforced correct operational behaviour.

Why Orchid?

• Proven experience delivering technical documentation and e-Learning for complex facilities.
• Ability to design secure, offline training solutions.
• Strong understanding of operational risk, safety and compliance.
• Seamless integration between manuals, illustrations and digital training.
• Trusted partner for sensitive and regulated environments.

Find out more about our Technical Documentation and e-Learning services.