How do you make e-learning engaging and not just engaging?

The big question: What should the folks to be able to do after the training?

Yeah, they don't need to do what those "usual suspects" ask them to do... 

Ideally, training would let them practice the tasks they do on the job. It would do so in a safe yet challenging environment that provides access to the necessary information. (In some situations, I think the most important thing a person can learn is where to find a relevant job aid when they actually need it. 😄) 

Thus, the "CCC" approach: set the context, give them a choice, and then the consequence(s) of that choice. In other words, "branching and feedback." 

And, yes, good scenarios/simulations are more challenging to create. If SMEs are available, don't just ask them what people need to do. Ask about the ways that things can go wrong.

Or, depending on the topic, you might be able to prompt an AI tool for ideas. You'd still have to put those into a functioning scenario, but it might, at least, generate more situations to work with.