Why are many managers reluctant to carry out Appraisals? Well, there are of course many reasons but we’ve found that when it gets down to it most of them are nervous about it and don’t feel confident in their ability to handle difficulties that can crop up. 

Other reasons learners have raised with our trainers include:

• Don’t fully understand the Appraisal scheme or find it too cumbersome.
• Not on-board with the concept of Appraisal and Performance reviews and don’t see the benefits.
• Equality and Diversity issues – unsure of what they should be saying where there are issues with absence or planned leave like maternity/paternity.
• Find the … Continue Reading
  

The HSE estimate that up to 4000 people a year die from Asbestos related illnesses. That includes 20 tradesmen a week  -  approximately 8 joiners, 6 electricials and 4 plumbers die every week and many people are still unaware of the risks they face daily.  In the North East alone 1,446 people have died from mesothelioma (Asbestos related cancer.)   It can be hard to appreciate the danger when it might take 40 years to have an have an effect.

Up to nine million UK homes and one and a half million workplace properties have some … Continue Reading

We’re not suggesting that you replace all of your classroom training with e-learning but there are many reasons to include online methods your training mix. Here’s some of the key reasons why organisations turn to online learning.

1 Urgent training need for the masses
For larger organisations with staff in multiple locations e-learning can be the fastest and most effective way to deliver it. Many will have their own in house e-learning teams and develop content themselves but in some … Continue Reading

There are numerous definitions of e-learning.  Some focus on how the learning is accessed and some on the media used to create it. Some are straightforward and concise like that of the oxford English dictionary and some are detailed like Clark and Mayers example. My personal favourite tops the list but other than that they are in no particular order. 

e-learning is…..

“The use of information and computer technologies to create learning experiences. ”
William Horton

“…essentially the computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge…” 
Wikipedia

“…The delivery of a learning, training … Continue Reading

It’s easy to understand why online courses work for people that already use computers at their desks. Computers are familiar and right there in front of them. What about those who don’t work at a PC?  

We’ve found that staff in depots or on the shop floor actually respond really well to learning online. Many of them have computers at home and use them for fun and informal learning already so accessing e-learning at work instead of going on a course can be a novelty. The reverse is of course true for … Continue Reading

When you realise (or are told) that you need some IT training then you’re already behind the curve and need to play catch up.  Many people just don’t think about online learning but this is an excellent option if you’re short of time and need to update your skills.  Online IT courses are effective, easy to use and you can learn fast. Here’s some reasons why:

1 No ice-breaker games and information on how to get out of the building if it’s on fire. And you already know … Continue Reading

Confession: this has been a fun post for me to write. I’ve been involved in e-learning sales and implementation in some capacity for around 13 years and many of the same objections to e-learning  come up time and again. My responses are mostly what I would like to say but am much too polite!  If I’ve spoken to you recently and you’ve proffered one of these comments, then I apologise but it’s not about you – really. They’ve all been … Continue Reading

Do you need to put forward a business case to introduce e-learning to your organisation? Here’s a few articles that we think you’ll find helpful…

What is e-learning?
This article is a good overview of what e-learning is all about.

10 benefits of elearning
Everything from cost savings and getting staff up to speed on new processes fast to equal opportunities in learning and development

Low carbon Learning
Explores the environmental credentials of e-learning as compared to traditional classroom training

What is blended learning?
An overview of blended learning … Continue Reading

Are you using e-learning now in your organisation? If you’re wondering if you should be here’s ten reasons why online training should form part of your learning and development strategy.

1. Reduces Costs
This is at the top of the list because it’s usually the main reason that organisations turn to e-learning. Often they’ll just look at the direct course costs like travel, accommodation, trainer fees, and course materials. Don’t forget the indirect course costs though. Staff still have to be paid, (at overtime rates in some cases.) e-learning usually … Continue Reading

” Our staff don’t like e-learning. They prefer face to face training.”

Well, if you have been known to utter these very words then I have great news for you. If you’re concerned about what people write on your training evaluation forms then here’s a suggestion. It’s a new training course that will virtually guarantee that you’ll see a dramatic improvement in feedback from your users. You’ll have learners banging your door down wanting to get on the course. It’s pretty straightforward, all you do is fly them somewhere exotic, with drinks and snacks on tap and an industry leading … Continue Reading