The JSE Securities Exchange-listed ADvTECH Group is enjoying the fruits of its internal e-learning portal, the "Apple-a-Day" Web site, developed by its ADvTECH Skills division.
Cleone Bakker, assistant GM at ADvTECH Skills, says the division realised that while it was promoting e-learning and the learning culture that can be fostered with online courses to its clients, its parent group itself was not taking full advantage of this.
A training plan based on the workplace skills plan was developed for the whole ADvTECH Group by ADvTECH Skills in March 2000. A formal agreement was signed with ADvTECH group in July that year and a brief followed to develop an integrated distance learning environment with consolidated feedback for reporting.
"The task was challenging," says Bakker. "We had to cater for corporate and administrative staff, recruitment specialists, teaching staff, office services and production staff. Academic levels and learning cultures also vary among the more than 3 000 ADvTECH group employees, distributed across SA.
"The training plan helped us focus on skills development that would fulfil strategic and legislative requirements. We applied our proven methodology, including return on investment (ROI) calculations. Through consultations with all divisions, detailed skills inventory and assessment, we developed a comprehensive requirements spec."
The Apple-a-Day Web site, developed by Mantis, is accessed through the corporate intranet. Colourful designs, within the apple theme, and unusual naming conventions hold the user`s interest. Take-a-Bite is the logon window and the Knowledge Orchard provides e-learning. Other choices are Pick-of-the Crop for the staff database; Pips-and-Peels is a news section; and there is access to events and discussion groups.
A marketing plan to generate interest included roadshows to the regions and eye-catching posters with personal touches such as Valentine`s Day cards and an apple for each person at the first presentation. "We continue using every occasion to remind our staff of Apple-a-Day," says Bakker.
The course material is accessible via the desktop, remotely through a modem or at small learning centres, consisting of desktops scattered throughout the offices for staff without a dedicated workstation.
Staff can log on, view their individual training plans, and schedule their courses. These are modular and user-friendly and consist of technology, business and soft skills courses from NETg and Skillsoft. The modules are short, include pre-assessment and students` outcomes are automatically recorded on a central management system.
"Every person learns at their own pace, and we have been surprised by the initiative shown by the staff. Some work at odd hours, others work late. We are seeing examples of individual potential, sometimes from unexpected quarters.
"The ADvTECH group will benefit with a working training plan, the ability to generate SAQA reports, and the development of staff to higher and more productive skills levels. Skills levy refunds and cost-effective training are other benefits.
"The real challenges are not about implementing the technology, but rather in management and constant marketing and re-evaluation. Our experience as client and consultant has added considerably to the understanding we can bring to client projects," Bakker concludes.
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