Employees on E-learning curve

A pioneering Hampshire firm has achieved yet another success by reaching a landmark target to enrol 10,000 local employees onto online training courses.

The Hampshire and Solent Learning Hub (HSLH), which provides learndirect courses to thousands of people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, reached the goal ñ set by the Governmentís University for Industry ñ a month earlier than its deadline.

The Fareham-based firm, which has just secured a new two-year contract to plan and deliver the courses to more than 100,000 people across the region, reached its objective by recruiting the workers from small and medium-sized enterprises.

And its chief executive, Denise Candy, is delighted with its latest success.

Denise, who was recently named the Southís Social Entrepreneur of the Year, said: ìEnrolling 10,000 employees was an extremely hard target to meet in just one year, as we had to start from scratch - so itís a great achievement.

ìAlso, to meet the goal with a month to spare is a real tribute to the hard work and dedication put in by my entire team. Companies all over the region will benefit as a result.î

The firm achieved its aim with a pro-active and targeted marketing campaign utilising advertising, direct mail, networking with the regionís Chambers of Commerce as well as holding workshops for local business people.

In addition workforce development manager Peter Hutchings extended HSLHís links with two of the regionís learndirect Premier Business Centres, based in Fareham and Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

He also encouraged ten further local learndirect venues to become ëBusiness Focused Centresí, which are skilled at dealing with SMEs.

The highly successful BFCs are unique to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and promote the benefits of learndirect courses to local firms - and as HSLH recently won the contract to develop learndirect in Berkshire, it will soon be launching one there too.

Denise went on: ìLearndirect courses are perfect for business because they increase staff skills, motivation and retention, and boost productivity, without firms having to provide separate time off for study.

ìIn fact, they are perfect for companies of all sizes ñ so we are now setting our sights on enrolling the next 10,000 recruits!î

Businesses interested in online training can contact the HSLH on 01329 239933.