Training in the new economy requires a strategic focus on meeting the unique and demanding requirements of the South African and broader African market in terms of skills development and performance improvement. This can be achieved by blending traditional instructor-led learning techniques with new technology-based e-learning. That`s the word from Ricky Robinson, MD of national training company, Learning Resources.
Says Robinson: "Training companies need to blend the old, tried and trusted, with the new, fast and efficient, in a methodology tailored for the local and broader African environment. South Africa is no different from any other part of the world in terms of business`s requirement for training to deliver measurable business benefits within specific timeframes. However, we have a greater skills shortage than most Western countries and larger financial constraints."
There is a great need locally to focus on closing the financial, technological and skills shortage gap through a holistic approach to corporate training requirements. Robinson says that following Learning Resources` acquisition of ADvTECH Skills in November last year, the company has worked hard to ramp up its consultative approach to deliver real, measurable value that impacts on the corporate bottom line.
"We are using corporate intranets to avoid external bandwidth constraints and ensure the smooth integration of lecturer-led training with e-learning products from ADvTECH Skills," he says. "Our High Performance Consulting team not only identifies the skills gaps that are undermining a client`s ability to achieve its strategic goals, but also helps clients develop training programmes that align with their strategy to provide staff with the skills they need to achieve their goals. It works closely with the Technology Services team to ensure the technology aspect of the training blends smoothly with the instructor-led training to provide a frictionless experience for all parties."
The company`s key differentiator, says Robinson, is its commitment to ensuring results flow throughout its clients` organisations. This is achieved by providing keys to the problems blocking successful learning and helping companies build performance-focus by providing a road map for assessing performance, identifying business needs and determining obstacles to performance change.
"Learning Resources is now focused on providing more learning, faster, just in time, just where you need it, to the market of one. In other words, cost effective, customer-focused learning for everyone in your organisation, everywhere," says Robinson.
The company`s range of video and e-learning training products cover soft skills, IT skills and technical skills training courses from some of the leading international content providers, such as Harvard Business School, NETg, SkillSoft and John Cleese`s Video Arts. All Learning Resources courses are South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)-aligned and accredited.
Share
Editorial contacts