Absa renews IT training contract with CS Holdings

The People Solutions division of JSE-listed CS Holdings has been re-appointed as Absa`s exclusive IT training provider for a further 12 months, following the expiry of the original three-year contract. The new contract includes online training which forms part of Absa`s blended learning and development strategy.

"The three-year period of the original contract was essential in that it enabled CS Holdings to put all the relevant structures and platforms in place," says Murray Burger, Head: Learning and Development at Absa. "We have benefited extensively from the past three-year relationship which has developed into a strategic partnership that is highly valued within Absa. CS Holdings` indispensable contribution and assistance in putting the right IT training solutions forward eliminated the need for a tender process and the contract was automatically awarded to them.

"Mechanisms have been built into the contract, however, to ensure that CS Holdings not only provides a consistently high-level service, but that it also continuously strives to improve and innovate products and services to increase learners` IT competence and add business value in the workplace," he continues. "Additionally, Absa`s procurement process does not favour long-term contracts and the new agreement falls within these guidelines."

CS Holdings provides training to approximately 30 000 Absa employees on a national basis, either at CS Holdings training facilities, on-site at Absa or via an e-learning platform. Flexible, customised training solutions are provided and tailored according to Absa`s specific requirements.

For example, CS Holdings has facilitated the countrywide provision of basic computer skills training to Absa employees on Saturdays. According to Paul Marais, General Manager: Absa Delivery Channel Services in Gauteng: "This training has significantly enhanced employees` quality of work and assisted in their understanding and learning of new IT solutions rolled out to Absa branches."

This was followed by IT desktop training delivered via e-learning to further enhance their computer skills.

"The new world of work in which we live has not only changed the way business is conducted, but also how we learn," says Marais. "An example of this is e-learning which has necessitated a change in mindset by employees who are largely only familiar with instructor-led training. Nevertheless, they have responded positively to this new and unfamiliar territory. E-learning is especially beneficial to employees in remote areas who no longer have to travel long distances for training but can now do the relevant courses in their own office and in their own time."

Absa`s internal system has been integrated with that of CS Holdings so that Absa`s training bookings are channelled directly to CS Holdings. "This enables us to provide a seamless service to our employees with no additional effort required from their side," says Burger. "All information regarding training interventions and assessments results, across the entire organisation, is fed directly back into the Absa system, providing for timeous and consistent information as well as accurate training records."

"The cost per course is benchmarked annually by an independent party to ensure that the quality and price are of the highest standard," says CS Holdings People Solutions Director Madelise Grobler. "Critical service levels have also been defined to ensure that we comply with and/or exceed Absa`s requirements in this regard. Management information is provided regularly to monitor all aspects of the relationship and product and service delivery."

Where specialised training is required that falls outside CS Holdings` scope of services, the company acts as "gatekeeper" to source, administer and outsource training courses on Absa`s behalf. "This removes a huge burden from us," says Burger. "Not only does CS Holdings source accredited and reputable training providers, it also negotiates training at competitive prices to ensure we always receive value-for-money."

"CS Holdings manifests a strong `can do` attitude in the service they provide and we have yet to table a requirement which they consider impossible to carry out. Consequently, we foresee a long-standing and productive partnership ahead," Burger concludes.