Transforming Workforce Development: Ashford Inc.'s Partnership with Bisk Amplified

‍Background & Business Challenge

Ashford Inc., a leader in asset management services for the hospitality industry, identified a critical need to enhance workforce development across its organization. From frontline workers to senior leadership, employees required scalable, accessible, and impactful upskilling options. Ashford faced challenges in delivering training in key foundational areas such as English as a Second Language (ESL), General Educational Development (GED), and career-focused certificate programs.

To meet evolving industry demands and support employee growth, Ashford sought a comprehensive education platform that would:

1. Serve all levels of the organization
2. Offer self-paced and accessible content
3. Enable measurable learning outcomes and progress tracking
4. Support employee engagement and long-term retention

‍Strategic Leadership & Solution Selection

 Ashford’s leadership prioritized workforce empowerment as a pillar of operational excellence. Their vision centered on building a culture of learning and development across the organization.

 The company selected Bisk Amplified for its:

1. Flexible, mobile-friendly learning platform
2. Expert-led content from top-tier universities
3. Ability to support diverse learning needs, from ESL to leadership training
4. Real-time progress tracking and performance analytics

“Providing access to professional and career development resources at no cost is a key element in our efforts to attract and retain talent. We are thrilled to partner with Bisk to inspire and unlock the potential of our associates.” – Ashford Inc.

Program Goals & Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

 Ashford aligned the initiative with the following goals and metrics:

1. Participation and engagement rates in ESL, GED, and certificate programs
2. Completion rates and skill acquisition across program tiers
3. Measurable performance improvements post-training
4. Impact on retention, satisfaction, and internal mobility

Implementation & Participation Snapshot

 Within the program’s initial two months, more than 150 employees participated in ESL courses and GED preparatory tracks, while several dozen professionals enrolled in more than 60 courses and certificate programs.

Sample Courses:

1. English for Hospitality Workers
2. Women in Leadership: Influence & Impact (Southern Methodist University)
3. Fundamentals of Project Management (Kelley Executive Education Programs)
4. PMP Exam Prep (Kelley Executive Education Programs)
5. People & Team Development Certificate (Michigan State University)
6. Supervisory Management & Leadership (Michigan State University)
7. Master Certificate in Business Analytics (Michigan State University)

Outcomes & Early Impact

1. ESL participants reported stronger communication skills, improving service delivery and team collaboration
2. GED learners advanced significantly toward certification, boosting confidence and career mobility
3. Certificate program participants acquired new competencies aligned with leadership development and business strategy
4. Managerial and leadership participants reported stronger team performance and enhanced coaching strategies

Bisk Amplified’s Role in Implementation

Bisk Amplified delivered white-glove support to Ashford, from onboarding to ongoing learner engagement. The platform’s integration capabilities allowed Ashford to monitor employee progress, generate insights, and continuously refine training priorities.

Early Success & Future Expansion

While full-scale data is still being collected, early feedback from department heads indicates:

1. Improved employee morale and engagement
2. Enhanced workplace communication
3. A positive shift in performance in high-participation departments

Planned Next Steps:

1. Expand program enrollment by 20–30% in the next quarter
2. Launch new certificate tracks in leadership and hospitality operations
3. Roll out AI-driven skills gap assessments to personalize training recommendations

Conclusion: The Bisk Amplified Advantage

Ashford’s partnership with Bisk Amplified demonstrates the power of scalable, accessible education to transform workforce capabilities. By fostering continuous learning, Ashford is investing in the long-term success of both its employees and the organization.

Explore more at biskamplified.com

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