Internal Education at Albatros Media
How we transformed internal know-how into a knowledge academyAlbatros Media is a company that lives by books – and just as books are based on shared knowledge, the company has decided to support the education of its people in an authentic and sustainable way.
AM didn’t look for external trainers. They looked around – and discovered a treasure trove right inside the company. The result is more than 70 internal training sessions led by employees themselves. A unique educational system was created that connects colleagues across departments, strengthens the company culture and gives people the space to shine in a new role – as lecturers.
Initial Situation
Corporate training is not new to Albatros Media. As a large publishing house, they are constantly adapting to changing technologies, reading habits and internal processes. However, their experience with external training often encountered limits – generality, lack of context or complex preparation.
At the same time, the HR team noticed that there were many experts working within the company who had something to share – whether it was working with tools, creative processes or team improvisation. But how to activate, support and expand this know-how?
The idea was born: to create corporate education that comes from within – from people, for people.
How We Proceeded
We first mapped the training needs and strengths of employees. We then interviewed potential trainers, prepared them for their roles, and compiled a course catalog. This was followed by the launch of the first training sessions, which quickly became a natural part of corporate life.
1. Mapping Needs and Potential
We started with a survey. With the help of an internal questionnaire, we found out:
What employees want to learn (tools, soft skills, personal development)
What are they strong in and what could they pass on
What type of training do they prefer (online, offline, hybrid)
What would they need to become lecturers
At the same time, we opened up a space for nominations: everyone could suggest a colleague who could share their experiences with others. There were also self-nominations – for some it was the first step towards new self-confidence.
“Many colleagues don’t like to brag about their talents. Some wouldn’t say they could teach. And yet they were perfect.”
Tereza Steinwald, HR
2. Interviews with Lecturers
We contacted each nominee. We conducted dozens of interviews to understand:
What exactly do they want to train and why
Who should the training be for
What forms of teaching would suit them
What do they need help with (technique, presentation, structure)
It wasn’t just about collecting data – it was also a space for courage. Realizing that being a lecturer is not about “being the smartest in the room,” but being willing to share and lead.
3. Training of Lecturers
The interviews revealed that many potential lecturers have professional knowledge but are concerned about presentation or form. Therefore, we organized a two-day training for lecturers with experienced lecturer and corporate sociologist Vojta Bednář. The goal was to:
Provide security
Learn how to prepare content
How to work with a group and your own nervousness
This step proved to be crucial – it gave courage to the lecturers and triggered an avalanche of further preparations.
4. First Courses Offer
Based on the interviews, we created a course catalog that reflected the real interests and strengths of employees. We again verified the offer among people and gained an overview of interest and preferences.
The first course took place in March 2022. Since then, the project has gained incredible momentum – and at the same time began to change how employees perceive training in the company.
“Suddenly it wasn’t about me going to training. It was: I’m going to meet colleagues who know something and want to share it with me.”
First Courses Offer
Developing Your Own Applications
Assertiveness and Communication
Copyright
Brandcloud
Change Management
Introduction to PR
Czech Book Market
The History of the Albatros Editorship
Excel Power BI
The Harry Potter Phenomenon
Spelling Rules
Social Networks
Graphics and Web Design
Helios Green
Searching for New Authors
Books for the Foreign Market
Business Negotiation
Pilates Lessons
Results and Impact
Internal education at Albatros Media has brought not only new courses and employee involvement, but also visible changes in the atmosphere of the company. People are becoming more connected, motivation and desire to learn and teach others are growing. In addition to professional training, a “leisure line” has also been created – for example, morning yoga led by colleagues. These are informal activities, but they bring benefits in the form of energy, health and relationships.
Lectures
Dozens of employees involved
Courses
Approximately 70 trainings in 2 years
System
Online registration, course overviews, credits
Topics
From Office applications to baking and yoga
Feedback
Enthusiastic employee feedback
What Worked
People Have Something to Offer
All you need to do is create a safe environment where they don’t have to be afraid to show what they can do.
No Need for Formalities
The courses are short, practical, and tailored. They don’t require days of preparation, but interest and structure.
Reward Motivates
The credit system and support from HR motivates participation and return.
Corporate Culture Is Changing
People get to know each other better across departments. The project works as a networking tool.
The Quote Says It All
“Awesome! Absolutely packed course, a million valuable information. I rate it 10/10.”
“The training was a nice addition to the working day. It was a kind of micro-teambuilding. It was nice to meet colleagues and get to know each other better than when sending work emails.”
“The training was really useful for me and some of the tips will really help me in my daily work.”
Tereza Steinwald
HR, Albatros Media
Recommendations for Other Companies
“If you decide to go the internal education route, ask questions! Every successful project starts with a survey. You will find out not only the needs of your colleagues, but also where there are weaknesses and perhaps you will discover hidden talents.
I would probably not be dogmatic about what and how to train. Give people freedom, education can take any form, it does not follow any specific rules until you set them yourself. As they say, school is a game.
Studying should be fun and in this case it should help you get to know not only colleagues across departments, but also the entire company and its functioning. I dare say that internal training will help you support a very important part of your corporate culture.”
Are You Interested in Our Work?
Write to Us.
Let’s talk about how we could create something unique together.