All 4,500 staff at the DfEE can now access a comprehensive range of learning resources - including Xebec McGraw-Hill's full catalogue of online business, management and communications skills courses - from any desktop PC or through one of four new Learning Zones.

The DfEE has created a library of available resources including online courses, training videos, traditional training programmes as well as coaching and mentoring facilities. Now it has introduced a Learning Gateway on every desktop PC to help staff locate the most appropriate resource to meet their specific learning need and preferred learning style.

"It has become increasingly difficult to deliver timely traditional tutor-led training," said Alan Fairbrother, Head of Research & Development for staff training at the DfEE's Training and Development Division. "With the introduction of online learning, we can now deliver training across multiple sites simultaneously, keeping face-to-face training for essential situations. This is an evolution of the way people will learn within the DfEE."

Called 21st Century Learning, the new DfEE initiative features a partnership between online training providers Xebec McGraw-Hill, NETg and Maxim.

All online learning courses can be accessed from the desktop and some can be downloaded to a laptop for learning away from the office. A server has been installed at each site, to overcome potential bottleneck issues.

To help staff make the most of the new learning initiative, the DfEE has introduced telephone tutor support. Queries go through to a call centre and are dealt with by a learning advisor, who can help with the particular problem and determine whether the chosen training medium is the most appropriate learning route.

In the future, the DfEE plans to put performance management forms onto the system, with hotlinks to the appropriate training resources for all learning needs.