The Astra University program demonstrates Astra’s commitment to developing meaningful careers in the service trades.
It’s a network-wide learning platform designed to provide every person with access to the tools, training, and best practices needed to develop. Built to support our decentralized model, Astra University (Astra U) gives local leaders the freedom to identify their team’s unique development needs and to deploy Astra U in the way that they see fit.
Through in-person bootcamps, online certifications, and peer-to-peer communities, Astra University is a tool designed to empower our team members.
Service Manager Training hosted by The Tustin Group
At Astra, we do this through a combination of our Learning Management System (LMS) and the efforts of our Operating Companies to build a culture of learning. Every company in the network has done incredible work in making training and development a priority for the company and accessible to all their employees.
Modern Controls and the Tustin Group have taken the lead in making sure that every person on their team can keep growing.
How Modern Controls Drives Engagement
Modern Controls is an example of how intentional efforts can turn training into a real driver of growth. Rob Cutler, VP of Human Resources and Safety, explained how the following ideas worked for his team:
Targeted Onboarding Campaigns
“We rolled out department-specific training plans to ensure the content felt relevant right from the start. This helped increase initial logins and course completions.”
Executive Sponsorship
“Having visible support from our leadership team really helped set the tone. They not only endorsed the platform but actively participated in learning challenges and conduct follow-up with their designated employees to ensure 100% completion.”
Feedback Loops
“We made it easy for employees to share feedback on courses, and we quickly adapted the content or added new modules based on that input, which made people feel heard and involved.”
Thanks to Rob’s efforts and the efforts of the entire Modern Controls team, they achieved an 85% monthly login percentage.
The Tustin Group’s Comprehensive Approach to Learning
Jessica McMenamin, VP of Organizational Development at the Tustin Group, explained that the team has taken a practical, step-by-step approach to building a culture of learning.
Start With the Basics
“We start with what’s required and keep it simple,” she explained, focusing first on OSHA training and recordkeeping. By tying everything into one place, Tustin University became a “one-stop place for all things compliance, training, and safety,” making it a seamless part of how the company operates.
Hands-On Support
By hiring an LMS coordinator, the team provided hands-on support so employees can stay on track with their learning. An experienced LMS coordinator helps employees “complete assignments, upload and track certifications, stay ahead of expiring licenses, and troubleshoot so people stay on track and succeed.”
Real-Time Training
Tustin created training that responds to real company needs. As employees grew comfortable with the system, Tustin launched a “TTG Monthly Leadership Series” with short, targeted trainings based on actual issues from HR or daily work.
“This makes it relatable for our managers and ensures everyone gets the same clear message,” Jessica stated.
Accountability
They kept training visible and added healthy accountability. Clear emails, meeting discussions, and TVs showing each division’s completion progress keep it top of mind. With the Cornerstone app on company devices, employees can finish training quickly from their phones or iPads.
“One of the best parts has been seeing employees come around and understand why we’re doing this… They’re asking for topics they want help with, especially on the leadership side.” Managers have also stepped up to lead, no longer seeing it as extra work, but as something that protects them and helps them grow.
Creating a Culture
The examples from Modern Controls and The Tustin Group show what it looks like when training and development become an integral part of a company’s culture. By supporting learning at every level, these teams were able to drive the highest amount of engagement in our network. Much more than this, they’re helping build a culture where people can advance their skills and careers.