From Novice to Future-Focused L&D Leader: Aaron’s Journey

Aaron Willoughby transitioned from restaurant management to Learning & Development, transforming training at KFC with the help of the Digital Learning Institute. Here’s how he made the leap—and how you can, too.

I’ve worked at KFC for almost 12 years, starting as a part-time team member before moving into various roles, including restaurant manager and HR support. About a year ago, I joined the Learning & Development (L&D) team. While my operational experience gave me valuable insight into the challenges restaurant managers face, I was completely new to L&D and had no experience with eLearning or content creation.

To build a strong foundation, I started with the Associate Certificate in Instructional Design, which introduced me to core concepts like A.D.D.I.E. and the basics of instructional design. It gave me a solid understanding of L&D fundamentals and inspired new ideas for content creation. Wanting to deepen my knowledge, I enrolled in the Professional Diploma in Digital Learning Design, which provided both theoretical insights and practical applications tailored to real-world challenges.

The flexibility of the course, the live virtual classrooms, and the regular support from DLI staff stood out. Connecting with peers and experts made the experience engaging and supportive.

The Diploma aligned perfectly with my work on KFC’s Restaurant Manager Training Programme, transitioning it from a text-heavy, paper-based format to eLearning. It also guided the development of our Area Coach Programme, which supports 170 area coaches managing over 1,000 restaurants.

Using learner profiles and revisiting core fundamentals helped tailor the program to their needs. For example, microlearning became the focus, as area coaches often can’t commit to long workshops. These tailored approaches are already making a huge impact on KFC’s 30,000 employees across the UK and Ireland.

I’ve gone from being a novice in L&D to confidently contributing to my team, challenging ideas, and introducing future-focused strategies like microlearning and video content. The Diploma equipped me with the tools to move beyond standard eLearning and create innovative solutions.

If you’re on the fence about joining DLI, I’d say go for it. I started as a complete novice, and the DLI team supported me every step of the way. The combination of theory, practical application, and expert guidance makes this program a game-changer. You’ll quickly feel part of a supportive community while gaining skills to advance your career.