Training The Next Generation of Marketers
The Institute of Direct Marketing has launched its inaugural Graduate Fast Track programme for 30 selected students, offering intensive training in direct, data and digital marketing techniques. The week-long initiative includes case studies, agency visits, and student presentations to industry sponsors, preparing graduates for senior marketing roles.
UK Lags Europe in Management Development
UK organisations spend significantly less on management training than European peers, with average per capita investment of just EUR1,625—less than half Germany’s spending. A Chartered Management Institute study reveals the UK also lags in career planning and board-level HR representation, raising concerns about future leadership development.
A Million Participants for Learning at Work Day
About a million UK employees are participating in Learning at Work Day, taking breaks from routine to engage in skills-building sessions designed to boost motivation and revitalize workplace culture. Companies like Nestle, British Gas, and the Army are offering diverse learning activities ranging from IT training to dance and self-defense classes.
Training Used to Aid Recruitment
Employers are increasingly using training as a recruitment tool, with 90% believing it impacts their bottom line and two-thirds offering skills training in job offers. Most organizations plan to expand training programs to address skill gaps and labor shortages.
Employers to “Steer” Reformed Apprenticeships
UK apprenticeships are being reformed to give employers greater control over program design and development. The changes expand eligibility to 14-16 year olds and adults over 25, while introducing new qualification levels and improved portability for apprentices changing employers.
Campaign to Increase Modern Apprenticeships
A national marketing campaign launching May 10 aims to boost Modern Apprenticeships by encouraging employers to create new opportunities. With young people’s demand currently triple the available positions, the initiative targets 28,500 new vacancies and 22,740 apprentice starts this year.
English Language Training for Immigrant Workers
English language training for immigrant construction workers in the UK can improve site safety and productivity, according to surveyors. With the construction industry needing 83,000 additional workers annually and language barriers contributing to workplace mistakes and fatalities, major firms are piloting TEFL courses to address the skills gap.
Case Study: Management Development at Dairy Crest
Dairy Crest has implemented separate competency-based management development programmes for senior and middle managers through Roffey Park, featuring development centres, business projects, and mentoring. The programmes promote cross-functional relationships and directly support the company’s strategic growth objectives by maximizing talent and leadership capability.
First Graduates for Vodaphone Marketing Course
Vodafone has graduated its first 31 employees from an in-house certificate program in direct marketing, developed with the Institute of Direct Marketing. The five-module course aims to strengthen customer relations and equip CRM professionals with practical marketing strategies for implementation across the group.
Plenty of Jobs But Not Enough Skills, Says Manpower
UK employers report strong hiring intentions, but a severe skills shortage is making it difficult to fill vacancies. With unemployment at its lowest since 1984, companies must invest in training and development programs to attract and retain talented workers.
Charity Sector Training “In Crisis”
The charity sector faces a training crisis, spending only 1% of turnover on staff development compared to 3% in public and private sectors, according to a leading charity analyst. Professor Ian Bruce warns that this underinvestment in skills development and a “happy go lucky” approach is undermining sector effectiveness and professionalism.
Study Finds E-Learners ‘Get What They Need’
A SkillSoft study found that 92% of IT e-learners acquired needed skills even without completing full courses, with most preferring short 30-minute study sessions. Employees reported applying their learning immediately to workplace tasks, with 81% already using acquired skills on the job.
Co-ordinating E-Learning with IT Development
Develop e-learning training in parallel with IT system development using emulation and business process documentation. This approach manages the risk of rework while ensuring staff are ready when the new system launches, even before development is complete.
From the Chalkboard to the Chatboard
Modern business training has evolved from traditional classroom lectures to personalized, ongoing development programs. Companies now select specific courses tailored to their needs rather than taking fixed packages, while enlightened employers reinforce learning through post-course coaching and support using technology like audio seminars.
Balanced Approach to Leadership
Effective leadership requires balance across three key dimensions: values that guide decision-making, effectiveness in self-management and professional competence, and influence based on credibility and results. Leadership consultant Simon Batty explains how developing and applying these interconnected abilities creates successful management.
Learning Technologies: Trainers Must Talk “Human Capital”
Training professionals should shift their language from “human resources” to “human capital” to better reflect how people are valuable organizational assets rather than costs, according to experts at the Learning Technologies Conference.
Management Training Must Think Global
UK management training must embrace globalization by developing cross-cultural competence, language skills, and international perspectives beyond English-speaking markets to prepare students for today’s global business environment.
Bitesize No. 2 – Putting a £ Value on Training
Learn how to quantify training’s financial impact by calculating potential value gains. Whether through sales increases or cost reductions, expressing training benefits in monetary terms helps managers understand ROI and commit to development initiatives.
Bitesize Business Partners: Introduction
Business partners with training expertise are in-demand professionals who identify business needs requiring training solutions and focus on delivering business results. Unlike traditional trainers, business partners integrate learning and development into core business operations and serve as internal consultants.
Managers Need to Understand Finance
Non-financial managers need strong accounting skills to make better business decisions and contribute meaningfully to financial discussions. Research shows fewer than half of executives understand profit and loss accounts or working capital, yet this knowledge is critical for corporate governance and organizational success.