4 min read
Managed Learning Services: Scale Virtual & Hybrid Training Fast
Jennifer Hofmann
:
Aug 25, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Why choose managed learning services over outsourcing or staff augmentation? Because strategic learning partners don’t just fill roles, they scale your entire learning and development (L&D) function for virtual, hybrid, and global teams.
You’re managing onboarding in 10 languages, launching a leadership academy, and scrambling to meet compliance deadlines. Meanwhile, your team is stretched thin. The pressure to deliver high-quality virtual and hybrid training isn’t going away—but you don’t have to face it alone.
Key Takeaways
- Managed learning services (MLS) go beyond outsourcing—providing scalable, long-term learning solutions through a single strategic partner.
- MLS supports hybrid learning, virtual classroom delivery, global scalability, onboarding, compliance, and more.
- During economic uncertainty, MLS ensures continuity and quality while protecting your internal teams.
- Case Study: Cisco scaled global onboarding in over 15 countries with InSync’s managed learning services.
- A true MLS partner doesn’t just fill roles, they elevate your learning strategy.
What Are Managed Learning Services?
Managed learning services (MLS) refers to outsourcing multiple, ongoing L&D functions to a single strategic partner. Unlike short-term project outsourcing or staff augmentation, MLS is a long-term approach that supports sustainable learning delivery at scale.
Organizations facing growing demands for learning often turn to MLS for:
- Scalable virtual instruction, including virtual instructor-led training (VILT) and hybrid learning
- Certified virtual facilitators and producers to ensure quality and consistency
- Instructional design expertise aligned with business goals
- Full-service logistics, scheduling, platform support, and coordination across time zones
- Multilingual training delivery for consistent global onboarding
- Continuous measurement and improvement through reporting and feedback
Instead of juggling multiple vendors or contractors, MLS gives you one accountable partner—a training delivery expert who builds capacity and ensures results. It brings together instructional design outsourcing, virtual training support, hybrid learning delivery, and L&D outsourcing under one umbrella.
Why Managed Learning Services Matter Now
When budgets tighten or priorities shift, learning doesn’t stop. It just gets harder to manage with internal resources alone.
Stopping programs or cutting localization may save money short term, but it costs learner engagement, employee satisfaction, and long-term growth.
That’s where MLS brings stability. You can maintain training quality and reach without overloading your team.
According to Persistence Market Research, the global managed learning services market is projected to reach $8.71 billion by 2033, growing at 11% annually. As more companies recognize the value of strategic learning partnerships, MLS adoption continues to rise.
Especially in uncertain economies, MLS offers L&D leaders scalable, flexible support that evolves with business needs without requiring a full internal rebuild.
Comparing Staff Augmentation, Outsourcing & Managed Learning Services
Feature | Staff Augmentation | Outsourcing | Managed Learning Services |
---|---|---|---|
Purpose |
Fill Short-Term Roles |
Complete Specific Projects |
Build Scalable, Long-Term Delivery |
Scope |
One Individual or Team |
One Learning Initiative |
Multiple Programs and Functions |
Duration |
Temporary or Part-Time |
Short-Term, |
Ongoing, Renewable Partnership |
Ownership |
You Manage Resources |
They Manage the Project |
Shared Accountability and KPIs |
Best For |
Addressing Bandwith Gaps |
One-Time Content or Delivery |
Scaling Hybrid, Global Delivery |
MLS combines the best of both models—centralized coordination, role-based expertise, and shared outcomes. It’s not just filling gaps, it’s building an ecosystem that grows with your learning needs.
Case Study: How Cisco Scaled Global Virtual Onboarding
When Cisco needed to scale onboarding across 15+ countries, they turned to InSync’s managed learning services for virtual classroom delivery, facilitator support, and multilingual consistency.
In just one year:
- Over 5,000 new hires were successfully onboarded
- No increase to Cisco’s internal headcount
- Consistent, engaging experiences across languages and time zones
"This was the best onboarding experience I’ve ever had. I felt seen and supported every step of the way."
—New hire feedback from Cisco’s onboarding program
That’s the power of a true MLS partnership. Aligned to your goals, built for scale, and deeply human.
Is It Time to Consider Managed Learning Services?
MLS isn’t just for enterprise-level rollouts. If your learning team feels overwhelmed, fragmented, or reactive, then it’s time to explore a new model.
Ask yourself:
- Are your teams stretched too thin managing multiple programs?
- Are you juggling vendors for facilitation, design, and learner support?
- Is scaling virtual learning across time zones a challenge?
- Are you prioritizing impact—or stuck managing daily logistics?
If you answered "yes" more than once, MLS could deliver the relief and results your organization needs.
Common Myths About Managed Learning Services (MLS)
MYTH: MLS is only for large companies.
FACT: MLS is scalable. InSync supports mid-market organizations and global leaders alike.
MYTH: MLS is just another name for outsourcing.
FACT: Outsourcing completes projects. MLS builds repeatable systems that evolve.
MYTH: You’ll lose control.
FACT: MLS increases visibility with shared KPIs, dashboards, and aligned communication.
The right managed learning partner doesn’t take control. They give it back with better tools and fewer fire drills.
Why MLS Is a Smart Investment
The up-front investment in MLS delivers long-term efficiency, quality, and resilience.
Benefits include:
- Fewer missed deadlines due to bandwidth gaps
- Consistent facilitator quality and learner engagement
- Reduced burnout across L&D teams
- Faster global onboarding and productivity
- Consolidated vendor relationships with one accountable partner
Most importantly, MLS frees your team to focus on strategy and innovation, not daily delivery hurdles.
The Managed Learning Maturity Model: Where Do You Stand?
Maturity Stage |
Characteristics |
Risks |
Opportunities |
Ad Hoc |
Internal team delivers manually |
Burnout, inconsistency |
Explore external support |
Reactive |
Vendors hired per project |
Vendor sprawl, inefficiency |
Centralize through MLS |
Integrated |
Partner manages multiple functions |
Coordination challenges |
Optimize for scale and speed |
Strategic |
Embedded MLS partner, long-term planning |
Investment required |
Innovate and scale with confidence |
This model benchmarks your current state and maps your path to scalable, strategic learning delivery.
Choosing the Right Managed Learning Partner
It’s about more than capabilities. It’s about alignment, trust, and value.
Ask:
- Can they scale fast without sacrificing quality?
- Do they offer certified virtual facilitators, designers, and producers?
- Are they experts in hybrid learning and global onboarding?
- Will they act as a true learning partner, helping you grow, not just deliver?
Why InSync: A Global Leader in Managed Learning Services
For 25+ years, InSync has built the infrastructure, talent networks, and expertise to deliver exceptional learning experiences virtually and globally.
We help organizations:
- Hire certified virtual facilitators, producers, and instructional designers
- Launch scalable onboarding and leadership programs
- Design virtual ecosystems that simplify delivery and engage learners
- Embed strategic support for hybrid and blended learning
Whether you need a full-service delivery partner or targeted outsourcing support, InSync scales with you—providing seamless, on-demand services for both short-term and managed learning needs.
Our Promise: We don’t just fill roles. We amplify your learning strategy and make scaling virtual training easier.
InSync is proud to be named a Top 20 Company for Staffing and Temporary Resources by Training Industry, recognizing our commitment to reliable, high-quality outsourcing for virtual training teams.
Ready to Scale Smarter?
Next Steps:
- Schedule a Free Strategy Session: Explore how managed services or certified virtual facilitators can extend your team.
- Explore Our Managed Learning Model: Learn how we deliver consistent, human-centered results at scale
Let’s make learning delivery easier, more effective, and more human—at any scale.