News

Arby’s deploys custom-learning program with Bellevue University

Arby's and Bellevue University have partnered to develop an educational program for Arby's employees.

September 1, 2015

Bellevue University has added Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc to its list of corporate partners. The university, with input from Arby’s executive leadership team, developed a custom-learning program exclusively for Arby’s employees, according to a Bellevue University press release. The program, called "Arby’s Business Management & Leadership," gives Arby’s employees "the knowledge and skills they need to be more confident on the job and grow in their careers," the release stated.

"At Arby’s, we live our line, ‘Start Here. Go Anywhere,'’ " said Damian Hanft, director of field learning and development at Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. "Arby’s is often a person’s first job. Through this learning opportunity, we are providing the knowledge and skills people need to be their best on the job everyday, and to grow with our company."

The courses in the custom learning program cover financial fundamentals, service operations management, merchandising and advertising, the release stated. They are designed to address Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that drive Arby’s business. The new program was produced in Bellevue University’s transformational, performance-based learning system, which focuses on mastery of critical business skills like problem solving, communication, collaboration and more, the release also stated.

Upon completion of the program, students earn a certificate of completion worth 36 college credits that may be applied to Bellevue University’s bachelor of science degree in Business Management and Leadership.

"Arby’s is a prime example of a corporation that truly understands that human capital today is a market share game," Executive Vice President of Bellevue University’s Strategic Initiatives Division Michael E. Echols said. "You have to fight for the talent that’s out there, and you have to invest in your own. Arby’s is giving their Team Members the opportunity to opt-in to a career-enhancing program. They get to raise their hands and demonstrate that they’re committed to their own career growth, and when that happens, the corporation prospers."

Arby’s will make the custom learning program available to corporate employees system-wide this fall, the release stated. Bellevue University provides all the marketing communications materials to stimulate interest in the program, including a custom, co-branded website where Arby’s employees can learn more, inquire about or enroll in the program, and where testimonials/success stories will be posted.

"Bellevue University was the obvious choice for this talent strategy," Hanft added. "They proved to us that they provide learning programs that work because they are built around real business needs and for team members who want to grow. This is about measurable ROI on many levels, and we look forward to the results."

Arby’s was founded in 1964, and has more than 3,330 stores worldwide.