Sporting heroes as business role models
John Macarfrae, director of training provider Maverick, believes the team training methods that create heroes on the sportsfield can translate into the field of work. If you are involved in training and development you will be well versed in the concepts of team-working and the need for a balance of people with the need to […]
Feature: E-learning trends for 2004
As part of our focus on training trends for 2004, Tony Probert of Dotworld Communications predicts the five key drivers for e-learning in the coming year. Feedback from the training industry indicates that business unit (BU)managers are increasingly not only the sponsors but the decision makers in today’s e-learning projects. E-learning must deliver measurable benefits […]
Organisations use training to stem staff turnover
Training and development’s value in reducing staff turnover has been recognised in a study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. The survey of 577 organisations found that increasing training and development is the most common method used to lower staff turnover. And it seemed organisations were right to focus on training and development, […]
Training spend increase in US
The United States has spent more on employee training and provided more hours of training than ever before.The results come from the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) 2003 State of the Industry Report. Over 270 organisations responded to the survey, the results showed: – Training expenditure as a percentage of pay roll increased […]
Giuliani tells Brits how to be a leader
Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani has shared his leadership philosophy at a seminar for members of the Institute of Leadership and Management.Mr Giuliani, who came to personify the resilient character of New York after the attack on the World Trade Centre, appeared at the event via a satellite link up.Mr Giuliani told delegates that […]
Taking the path to IT security best practice
Taking the path to IT security best practice Barbara Greenway, managing director of Parity Training, makes the case for getting to grips with both technical and ‘soft’ skills. Keeping IT secureRecent high-profile viruses like Sobig-C and BugBear have made improving security a priority for all users throughout an organisation, not just the IT team. Investing […]
Employers training more effective than colleges, finds ALI
The Adult Learning Inspectorate’s report into Engineering, manufacturing and technology in adult learning reveals that specialist work-based learning providers carried out by employers or employers’ organisations is more effective than that carried out by colleges.The survey of current practice in engineering, manufacturing and technology looked at a wide range of publicly-funded provision including education and […]
Members news: First aid training
Jackie Southworth of SOVRIN First Aid Training writes:Thought this may be of use to first aid trainers: The HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE has issued a discussion document on the subject of possible changes in the provision of First Aid at Work training as this may ultimately affect all first aid trainers it is recommended that […]
Independent body to tackle red tape in post-16 learning
The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) have set up an independent body which will be tasked with getting rid of red tape in post-compulsory education.The new seven-member Group, composed of representatives from the civil service and learning sectors, has been set up in direct response to the […]
Government regulations ‘denying’ millions of workers training in colleges
The leader of the association which represents Britain’s Further Education Colleges is calling on the Government to introduce radical changes in policy when it launches its Skills Strategy in June.David Gibson, CEO of the Association of Colleges, believes that millions of people across the country are missing out on training because of over-regulation of the […]
Featured interview: Revolutionising skills development in the retail sector
The new national sector skills network is being pioneered by five Trailblazer Sector Skills Councils. Among these is Skillsmart, the sector skills council for the retail sector. TrainingZONE talked to Peter McLaren-Kennedy, Head of Communications at Skillsmart, about the state of skills development in retail, and what a sector skills council can do to improve […]
FE needs to get closer to local employers, says Ofsted and ALI
Further education providers should do more to work closely with employers, according to the first joint annual report on post-16 education and training from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) and the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI).The report, which covers the provision of learning for over-16’s in over 100 colleges, concludes that although teaching and […]
Training is too concentrated on the higher skilled, finds research
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has produced a new report, HR Trends and Prospects 2003, which suggests that organisations are devoting the majority of their resources towards the higher skilled, to the detriment of the UK’s ability to improve productivity. According to the report, low-income workers receive less training, feature less in […]
Employees look for training and job security over other benefits, finds survey
Training and job security are the biggest motivators for attracting and retaining staff, according to new research by Parity Training.Companies put job security as the third highest motivator (46%), after obvious factors like career prospects (69%) and salary (65%), while 29% of companies saw the value of offering training as an incentive to attract the […]
How is your training managed?
As part of this month’s theme on Adding Value and next month’s on the Training Cycle, we are asking you to share your reflections on how training is managed, in principle and in reality. We are looking for answers to any or all of the questions below (you can reply anonymously if you choose). Email […]
Remote workers don’t have equal access to training – research
Teleworking or home workers are not being given the same access as other employees to development opportunities, according to The Psychological Contract, a new report from The Work Foundation. Respondents were presented with a list of development opportunities and asked whether remote workers in their organisations have the same access to these as other employees. […]
How to choose a training provider
Outsourcing training to a specialist provider is an increasingly popular choice in today’s organisations. There are a large number of training providers to choose from, each offering different training solutions, so how do you find the provider to suit your needs? Robinne Collie, Managing Director of The Gourmet Challenge, outlines the questions and issues managers […]
Campaign launched to scrap VAT on training
VAT on training is currently costing the UK in excess of £87.5 million every year. According to Robert Chapman, co-founder of The Training Camp UK, the extra cost discourages individuals from signing up to courses and will perpetuate the skills vacuum. Chapman is urging the industry to lobby the Chancellor. He believes that until the […]
The future of e-learning – your views
The e-learning market continues to change as training professionals adapt to the technology and vice versa. We want to know what you see in the crystal ball. Post your own comments below. In my opinion, I foresee a good future for e-learning, but some things must change dramatically in order to get the best results:– […]
Skills gaps threaten future of British business – LSC
According to a new report released today by the Learning and Skills Council, in 2002 nearly a quarter (23%) of companies reported a skill gap, up 7% on 2001. The Skills in England 2002 report shows that skill gaps are occurring because of the introduction of new technology; organisational change; the lack of training and […]
