The missing link to help businesses learn

Nov 25 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

BUSINESS Link is committed to helping North East businesses address their workforce development and training requirements needs under the Learning and Skills Council’s Train to Gain service, in a bid to boost productivity, competitiveness, and improve their profitability.

Business Link’s team work with firms to help identify skills gaps and training solutions, to ensure all needs are met within a business. They also identify potential funding sources to support initiatives.

Here Business Link’s Irene Earle gives an insight into why it’s important for businesses to invest in skills.

Why is it so important for businesses to recognise the importance of investing in skills development within the workforce?

Businesses that recognise the importance of investing in ongoing, effective training for their employees typically increase their chances of achieving success. A well-executed training programme can help a business develop a competitive advantage by equipping employees with skills the business needs to succeed, helping them become more efficient and helping increase their bottom-line.

We are still facing the challenges of the economic downturn, so it’s important for all businesses to maximise potential. There has never been a greater incentive for businesses to enhance their skills and create a winning formula.

How should business owners go about identifying training needs within their workforce?

By choosing the right type of training, businesses can make sure their employees have the right skills, and ensure they are kept up- to-date with the latest practices. Employees at all levels can benefit from training.

A training needs analysis (TNA) can be an effective way to identify any gap between the skills your business needs and those that already exist within a company. It is a good way to ensure money is spent on training that will help a business to achieve its objectives.

There are many ways this information can be gathered through employee surveys, customer comments, company meetings and inspections.

An improved awareness of the strengths and weaknesses will provide businesses with the framework to be the best they possibly can.

With so many training courses and training providers available, how should a business go about selecting the best method for them?

It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons for each type of training before deciding which type to provide for employees. There are many considerations when determining the most appropriate training, including cost, space, and time needed, as well as the return on investment, for each type of training.

By approaching Business Link for advice, our team of advisers can assess the needs of the business, explore training options that match these needs and identify which course works best for the business involved and its staff.

In the current climate, when businesses are making cut-backs, why should companies prioritise skills development?

When times are tough any investment should be carefully considered. However, equipping employees with skills to allow them to complete tasks more efficiently, and enabling them to take on more tasks, can have a positive impact on productivity. It can help improve morale, motivation and job satisfaction. Business Link can also highlight where financial support may be available to assist.

:: To find out more, tel: 0845 600 9 006 or email enquires@businesslinknortheast.co.uk