I’m working on changes to my employee training method that includes the University of Subway. If I’m being totally honest, I was never a big fan of computer courses, or dorky training videos. I’ve always preferred (and still do) the up close and personal, one-on-one training.
Over the past year, I’ve been trying to coax my managers and other employees to take some U of S courses, with little success. Subway’s move to make PIC training mandatory sparked a flurry of activity and has me thinking I should really get serious about this. My employees, on the other hand, are resisting…
The first step I’ve taken is to offer a raise of ten cents an hour when an employee completes the Sandwich Artist Certification courses from the Learning Ladder. When they complete the Senior Sandwich Artist courses they will receive an additional fifteen cents an hour. In addition, I’m taking these courses myself and have issued a challenge that any employee who completes these courses, before me, will win $20.
My managers all completed their PIC level one training, but haven’t gone much further. I’ve issued a challenge to them as well, that any manager who completes all courses in the Learning Ladder (including optional courses), before me, will win $100. In the few days since issuing the challenge, I’ve seen a spike in activity from a few of my employees and have already rewarded one employee with $20 and a twenty-five cent raise. I should note that in order for courses to count, the employee must receive a score of 100%.
Looking ahead, I will begin to require that certain courses from the Learning Ladder be completed prior to employee advancement, for example: requiring the completion of Senior Sandwich Artist courses before becoming a closer, and requiring that Shift Manager courses be completed before becoming a weekend opener, and so on…
So far, I’ve completed both PIC one and two, the Sandwich Artist Certification, some of the Senior Sandwich Artist courses, and some Shift Manager courses. I don’t want to go too fast, as I would like to pay out some awards, but I want to make it challenging. I’ll keep you posted on my progress…
In the meantime, feel free to share your University of Subway story, strategy, likes and dislikes. If you would like some help, Contact me!
Have a profitable week! 
Coach Morse
4 Comments
I currently am a subway employee and we as well just got the news about having to complete the subway univirsity trainiing. Most of my other co workers arn’t willing to do it yet becuase we feel we should be paid to do something that is mandatory. I like that you have given you employees raises to finish and prizes for completing the programs. I feel that is a very good way to get them to do it. In some ways you are still paying them to do it. Good luck!
Hi Leilani,
I’ve done it both ways and in my experience the ones who don’t take the courses for rewards won’t take the courses for pay either and eventually don’t work out.
Be the first of your team to complete the courses, of your own free will, and I bet your employer will take notice of you and reward your initiative.
Strive to be More!
Coach Morse
Wanted to let you know that they are not paying the employees to complete any mandatory training out side of work and that my daughter has worked for Subway for over two years (received employee of the quarter twice) and still has never received a raise. Just a thought!
Hi Kerrie,
Thanks for your comment.
By “they” I’m assuming you’re referring to the owners of the franchised store where your daughter works.
I see a bigger issue than not paying for mandatory U of S courses. For me it’s that your daughter continues to work for an employer that has not given her a raise in over two years.
Your daughter needs to stop allowing herself to be treated like a doormat. She needs to go to her boss, ask what is required to earn a raise and, if she meets the requirements and doesn’t receive the raise, have enough self-respect to quit and get a different job!
If your daughter is under 18 you don’t have to let her continue working there. If she is an adult, then you’ll need to stop mothering her and mind your own business.
Best of luck!
cm