Outsourcing
L&D Outsourcing Models — Staff Augmentation, Outsourcing, and Managed Learning Services Compared
L&D Outsourcing Models — Staff Augmentation, Outsourcing, and Managed Learning Services Compared
L&D outsourcing models give organizations flexible ways to scale learning programs, access specialized expertise, and meet delivery demands for hybrid and virtual learning. The three most common approaches are staff augmentation, project outsourcing, and managed learning services (MLS)—each with distinct benefits, scope, and integration levels.
Why This Matters
Hybrid and virtual learning often require skills and capacity beyond what internal teams can provide—especially in facilitation, instructional design, and virtual production. Selecting the right outsourcing model can mean the difference between simply filling seats and delivering a seamless, high-impact learning experience. In fact, Training Industry reports that over half of all corporate training delivery is now outsourced (source). Without a clear understanding of how these models differ, organizations risk misalignment, overspending, or inconsistent learner engagement.
The Three Models Explained
| Model | Definition | Best For | Typical Scope in Hybrid/Virtual Learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Augmentation | Adding temporary learning professionals to your team to fill skill or capacity gaps. | Short-term projects, peak demand, specialized skills (e.g., virtual producer). | One or more contracted facilitators, designers, or producers who follow your processes and work under your direction. |
| Project Outsourcing | Contracting a partner to handle a specific learning project end-to-end. | Programs requiring outside expertise or fast turnaround without long-term commitments. | Outsourced design and delivery of a hybrid leadership program, including materials, facilitation, and reporting. |
| Managed Learning Services (MLS) | A strategic, ongoing partnership where a provider manages multiple learning functions or your entire L&D operation. | Large-scale, continuous delivery needs, global or multi-program portfolios. | End-to-end management of design, delivery, vendor coordination, quality control, and analytics for hybrid/virtual programs. |
Key Steps to Select the Right Model
-
Assess your gaps—Is your biggest challenge skills, bandwidth, or both?
-
Match model to goal—Staff augmentation for quick fills, outsourcing for defined projects, MLS for ongoing transformation.
-
Prioritize hybrid/virtual expertise—Ensure your partner has deep skills in virtual facilitation, instructional design, and production.
-
Clarify governance and KPIs—Decide who owns quality control, scheduling, and learner engagement measures.
-
Plan integration—Align external resources with your internal processes and culture.
Learn More & Take Action
Partner with InSync Training to identify the right outsourcing model for your hybrid or virtual programs. Our team offers flexible staff augmentation, targeted outsourcing, and full-service MLS solutions—always with a focus on engagement and measurable results.
InSync Training is proud to be recognized by Training Industry as a Top 20 Company for Staffing and Temporary Resources and to have appeared on their Top Learning Services Companies Watch List three times. This recognition reflects our commitment to high-quality, flexible outsourcing solutions for L&D teams.
Resources
-
15 Smart Questions to Ask Before You Outsource — Separate order-takers from true learning partners.
-
Smart Outsourcing Guide for Virtual, Hybrid, and In-Person Delivery
— Includes readiness checklist and model comparisons. -
Managed Service Solutions — See how MLS works in practice.