SBB and Speexx Put Language Learning on Track for a Multilingual Future
As Switzerland’s leading rail and transport service provider, Swiss Federal Railways sought a scalable, role-specific solution that met legal requirements and supported the language development of its multilingual workforce. Together with Speexx, a tailor-made, mobile-accessible training program was created to meet the needs of diverse target groups. The success of this partnership is evident in the results: with 98.8 out of a possible 100 points, Speexx was recognized by SBB as an outstanding partner in cost, quality, delivery, management, and sustainability.
About
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is Switzerland’s national railway company, known as Chemins de fer fédéraux suisses (CFF) in French and Ferrovie federali svizzere (FFS) in Italian. As the country’s largest railway and transport provider, SBB operates passenger and freight services nationwide, carrying more than 1.39 million people and transporting around 170,000 tons of freight each day.
Committed to quality and safety, SBB operates in a multilingual environment, offering services in German, French, and Italian. Founded in 1902 and headquartered in Bern, SBB employs more than 35,000 people. In 2016, the company set a clear course for future-oriented learning with a comprehensive digitization strategy for employee training. The focus was on meeting legal requirements and developing language skills, a strategy that aligns perfectly with Speexx integrated language solutions.
Our long-standing and trusted collaboration with Speexx is key to creating innovative, efficient solutions in language learning. Through digitalization and ongoing exchange, we continue to evolve together, adapting our programs to meet employees' needs. Together, we are shaping the future of language learning at SBB.
Challenge
SBB sought a language training partner capable of delivering a comprehensive solution for its diverse workforce while supporting the digitalization and standardization of training. Seamless integration with existing systems was essential, as was providing tailored programs for specific roles to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Compliance with the driving regulations (FDV), which apply to all Swiss railways and operators using the national railway infrastructure, played a central role in designing the language training. The courses needed to address not only general language skills but also safety-related communication in German, French, and Italian, along with role-specific expertise.
I was able to integrate learning with Speexx easily and gained great value from it. That’s why I extended my training after the first course and am now nearing the end of the second. I continue to benefit from the flexible learning times, the opportunity to interact with others, and the support of my personal language trainer.
Solution
The solution combines e-learning modules, online workshops, and virtual group lessons specifically tailored to different functions at SBB and safety-related situations. All content is available through a user-friendly mobile interface and designed for employees who use tablets as their primary learning tool.
Speexx is fully integrated into SBB learning and training systems and has been connected to SAP SuccessFactors since 2017. The training programs are continuously updated to meet legal requirements. As part of the collaboration, Speexx developed several new features tailored to SBB needs.
For example, a comprehensive ID check was implemented specifically for SBB. This close cooperation demonstrates how tailored solutions create real synergies between Speexx and SBB – with the shared goal of accurately assessing language skills and designing efficient learning processes.
Outcome
Speexx solutions have played a decisive role in establishing a culture of continuous learning at SBB. Integration into SBB internal systems has made processes more efficient, while mobile learning has significantly improved access to training for employees in the field.
SBB recognizes Speexx strong commitment with an outstanding supplier rating of 98.8%. Employees agree: the training courses achieve an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Speexx high flexibility in tailoring programs to SBB needs is particularly valued, for example through customized content for 15 target groups.
Outlook
SBB and Speexx continue to expand their successful partnership. The training program is being extended with new modules for employees in direct customer contact. As SBB pursues its digitization and quality goals, Speexx remains a key partner in meeting evolving learning needs over the long term. Future initiatives may include developing additional areas of expertise – such as tandem language training and business coaching – which could also be managed via OCN integration in SAP SuccessFactors.
