Welcome to a day in the life of Kevin Witmer, the experienced Training Manager at Direct Line University, where dedication meets expertise. With an impressive 6.5-year tenure at Direct Line, Kevin has become the linchpin of the training operations at the Ashburn, VA facility.
As the orchestrator of daily activities, he seamlessly manages training schedules, oversees site trainers, and ensures the smooth functioning of the training facility at Ashburn, VA. Kevin extends his influence on the East Coast headquarters, providing indispensable office support to meet the dynamic requirements of the bustling corporate hub.
Join us as we delve into the world of Kevin Witmer, gaining insights into the multifaceted responsibilities, challenges, and triumphs that define his role as Direct Line's Training Manager extraordinaire.
What does a typical day look like for you working at Direct Line Global? Elaborate your daily routine.
- A typical day as a Training Manager involves collaborating with the DLU team and other colleagues as we assess, design, and develop course training material. Responsibilities include coordinating and scheduling training classes held in the Ashburn, VA facility or online via the Learning Management System (LMS).
- I actively engage with various Direct Line departments, manufacturers, and middle vendors to gather and share information about new processes, tools, and company-led projects to support developing, reviewing, and implementing custom training programs.
- Additionally, I oversee and coordinate, in collaboration with vendors, the servicing and repair of equipment, tools, and facility maintenance.
What would you like to say to someone interested in applying at Direct Line?
Employment with Direct Line Global opens a pathway for one to participate in the world’s most essential industries by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. The only requirement is a consistent and positive work ethic and dedication to continuous learning.
What kind of education and training did your career require? How do you achieve success in your role?
- Having accumulated two decades of industry experience before joining Direct Line, coupled with a steadfast commitment to continuous learning as a technician, has laid the groundwork for my progression into roles as a trainer and, subsequently, training manager.
- In addition to the practical knowledge acquired on the job, I have further enriched my understanding of the industry by successfully completing four levels of BICSI certification training. Attaining the status of a BICSI-certified trainer reflects my dedication to professional development. Additionally, I maintain a consistent routine of engaging with industry-related content through regular reading and listening to eBooks.
Tell us about your career path in Direct Line
- As a trainer, I traveled to various sites, conducting new hire orientation training for nearly 300 employees in just the first 4 to 5 months of my training tenure and continue to train employees to this day.
- Next, I expanded my responsibilities by creating training material on diverse topics, including the four build phases of constructing a data center and numerous other subjects.
- One of my most cherished opportunities is collaborating with executive leadership in 2019 to revise and deliver Direct Line’s Respectful Workplace course to every employee. This initiative remains ongoing, and I continue to participate in its implementation today.
- Concurrently, I pursued BICSI training and successfully obtained all four levels of their installer certifications and the designation as a BICSI certified trainer.
- This was accomplished while balancing my trainer and content creator responsibilities.
- In 2020, I embraced a new challenge when I was entrusted with managing DLU and the training team, a responsibility I continue to hold with enthusiasm and dedication.
What do you love most about what you do?
- What I cherish most about my role is the spirit of teamwork and the sense of accomplishment that comes from collaborating across the entire company. Working together to gather and disseminate essential information to meet site and customer requirements is rewarding and fulfilling.
- Additionally, I take great joy in contributing to the growth of fellow employees’ careers and playing a part in Direct Line’s mission to provide opportunities for everyone involved.
What are your interests outside of work?
- I love spending time with my family, friends, and church group, and I enjoy hiking while listening to audiobooks or classical rock.
Tell us a surprising or fun fact about you.
- For over 37 years, I’ve managed my own company as a side hustle, specializing in cleaning commercial and residential windows.
What would it be like if you could give one piece of career advice?
- Be humble, knowing we can learn something from everyone we meet, and never give up when faced with new or complex problems.
- Build and protect your integrity at all costs, for this is the most important thing we bring to every position or opportunity we are ever given.
This quote sums up my journey and success at Direct Line…
“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you.
If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you!”
— Zig Ziglar
