5 Responses

1. Training Databases
   There are so many Databases around. It really depends how you want to use the database, the number of employees and how much information you wish to retrieve from it, also cost is a big factor because they do not come cheap. Have you asked your Personnel Department which package they use? Most HR Databases nowadays provide add-ons which would significantly reduce the cost for you.

   If this is not an option a good starting point is the Personnel Today magazine for adverts failing that I have used a Database by Workforce – the company to contact is called Intellect.

   I used this a few years back but primarily wanted the Employee Data version also it did include lots of Training Information. I am currently using a database by Sage and it includes training information which is very basic.

   If you are have the internet then why not ask Jeeves – http://www.ask.co.uk and ask for information on companies who provide Training databases, also try talking pages etc etc

   Good luck with your search

2. Do your own in Access
   Have you considered developing your own training database in Access?? Alternatively you could check out some of the sample databases available on the Access webring which you could use as a starting point??

3. Training databases – bespoke development
   Im a trainer and database consultant. I think you would be well advised to develop(or have developed for you) something bespoke – otherwise you could waste time and money on something that doesn’t do what you want it to do! An Access based database would probably suffice – contact me if you want more advice/info on how to go about that.

4. time to sort this out
   I recently had to purchase a training database and it took quite a bit of time trying to get the right one. I also found that the time to organise a bespoke data base or to devise one from Access, was too long. I purchased the data base from Compel and so far have been very please with it. They are based in Marlow

5. A solution?
   I had the same requirement as you. I looked at commercial databases but felt they were too costly for what they did.

   In the end I had one developed for me in Access, and with my own It skills developed it further. It works very well, and even emails out joining instructions over an intranet.

   You must be very clear about what you want to have your database do from day 1, else the costs of developing your own system can spiral rapidly. Also be very clear about what, if any, additions and upgrades you will want in the years to come. Ultimately it may pay you to go to a commercial, off the shelf system.

   Have you thought about using an internet-based training admin provider – go to google.com and search under “training administration service” – include the quote marks!