Special Initiatives
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Enterprise-led Approach
Unique to Skillnets is an enterprise-led approach to training whereby companies and their employees are directly and significantly involved in the identification, design, delivery and evaluation of training systems and processes, either as lead bodies or in partnership with other organisations. Such "other organisations" may include state agencies, advisory groups, certifying bodies, education establishments, training providers and so on.
90% of companies surveyed at the end of 2005 found that the enterprise-led approach was an effective model for the delivery of in-company training. 82% found that this approach was more effective than alternative approaches. By giving firms a real say in how to meet their training needs, Skillnets has shown that an enterprise-led approach is workable, practical and effective.
It has also shown that companies are prepared to give the commitment (in time and money) and take responsibility, which such an approach requires.
Companies are motivated to partake in learning networks by many factors. More than 80% of companies surveyed cited flexibility, relevance, quality and cost as key features that attract them toward learning networks.The main features of an enterprise-led approach can be summarised as:
- Enterprise owned and led - where the enterprises control and decide on all aspects of the training process
- Business ethos - where the training is designed to meet business needs
- Flexible - minimal constraints on enterprises allowing firms to identify their own needs
- Co-funded - enterprises contribute financially both in terms of cash and resources
- Innovative - trying new concepts and ideas, adding to the body of knowledge, bringing new ideas to existing enterprises
- Wide range of potential partners
- Owners/managers and employees coming together
- Large companies transferring knowledge to small to medium enterprise (SMEs)
- Professional inputs from trainers, academia and other advisors