The Tongaat-Hulett Group has embarked on an e-learning initiative across its five divisions through the implementation of an internationally certified computer-based training programme. This is part of a drive to empower employees with computer competency skills.
Through the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) programme, the group plans to train more than 1 000 employees in a two-year period across its four decentralised divisions, Tongaat-Hulett Sugar, African Products, Moreland Estates, Hulett Aluminium and the group head office.
Distributed by e-learning specialist ADvTECH Skills and implemented by channel partner Upward Trend, the NETg-sourced ICDL syllabus covers the key concepts of computing and its practical applications in the workplace. An intranet-based unlimited licence agreement enables an unrestricted number of employees on the course.
"Computer-based training is an ideal training method for our needs," says Tongaat-Hulett senior IT consultant Gavin Hall. "Group operations are spread across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Swaziland and Mozambique, and several of our mills are in remote areas, making conventional lecture-based training methods logistically impractical and expensive. Through ICDL, we can achieve internationally accredited, cost-effective, standardised training across all divisions."
Seven modules of the ICDL course take the user through the complete spectrum of computing skills, from basic concepts of IT, file management and word processing to specific Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint, while an eighth module covers GroupWise e-mail.
The modules for the Mozambican operation were supplied in the vernacular, with audio soundtrack and text for the predominantly Portuguese-speaking team, with ICDL testing to be conducted at a centre in Maputo.
Each division will implement the course individually on a needs basis. Some divisions have adopted a learning centre concept, with a number of computers made available to users in a central area, while others prefer the option of installing the course at individual workstations. Training is closely monitored, and a facilitator or "champion" oversees the training for every 30 learners.
"Before embarking on the training, Tongaat-Hulett ran a pilot study to analyse three ICDL-approved products," says Upward Trend director Jenny Cole. "The user-friendly NETg product met the needs of Tongaat-Hulett, presenting a convenient, cost-effective and consistent method of computer-based training to skill staff to work smarter."
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