Chartered Management Institute launches Campus CMI

Almost three quarters (69%) of employers believe that failures in the education system are damaging the UK’s economic performance, with 73% believing they are contributing to a skills crisis, according to new research released today by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
The 'Tomorrow’s Leaders' report also found that nine out of ten managers feel that young people often need training in basic skills when they enter the world of work.
The report says the situation has worsened in the last decade, with just 9% of survey respondents agreeing that young people leaving education today are more employable than their counterparts ten years ago. Particular areas of concern are school leavers’ management skills, identified as poor or very poor by 77% of managers; commercial awareness, which 70% viewed as poor or very poor; and communications skills, viewed as poor or very poor by 51%.
The research also highlighted employers’ calls for change in the way these skills are developed. 82% of managers agree that giving young people the skills they need at work should be the top priority for the education system. However, just 20% feel that the current system develops them to a satisfactory level.
The research found that employers are keen to get involved to change this situation, with over nine out of ten agreeing that employers have a duty to develop the skills of young employees. In addition, over half believed that involving businesses in the education process would do most to improve young people’s employability.
The 'Tomorrow’s Leaders' report was commissioned by the CMI to officially launch its new Campus CMI education programme which is delivering qualifications in team leading and line management to people aged 14-21 by in schools and FE colleges across the UK.
The CMI says the programme, led by a board of employers, including Centrica, Waitrose and The National Grid, delivered 1,500 CMI qualifications in 115 schools across England during a pilot phase.
The CMI expects this will increase to approximately 3,000 in 300 schools by the end of 2011 and plans to widen the programme to deliver 10,000 qualifications within 5 years.
Ruth Spellman, chief executive of CMI, said: "Bad management is already an issue in the UK, with only 1 in 5 managers having a professional management qualification, but we can't let this become a pattern defining future business generations.
"The cycle has to be broken and the only way to do so is for schools and employers to work together. This is how students will learn to lead and the UK can develop the leadership skills needed to make Britain competitive.
"Campus CMI will prepare young people for the working world, giving them a thirst for work and the aspirations to take their career as far as they can. It will teach them the management, leadership and workplace skills that will boost career opportunities and develop the skills we know employers want to see in new recruits.
"Ultimately, Campus CMI will lead to better employment prospects for those young people gaining qualifications; a better fit between entry-level skills and employment needs; and a stronger, better performing base of UK managers."
Greg Evans, director of nuclear at Centrica, said: "As an employer of school leavers and graduates alike, we recognise the important role that leadership and management skills play in their skill-set. Of course, the fundamentals such as maths and science are key for us, but behavioural skills such as determination, teamwork and a desire to learn are just as important.
"Campus CMI has recognised the importance of reaching young people at the point where these skills are able to be most easily developed, as well as giving them ambition and goals to strive for. Young people who demonstrate this outlook by securing management qualifications with CMI will set themselves apart from their peers at the application stage."
Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness and chairman of the Education Select Committee, said: "It is vitally important that we take steps to ensure our young people have the skills they need to enter the world of work. Figures show that young people face huge challenges when trying to enter the job market. We need to equip them with the management and leadership skills they need to stand out from the crowd.
"The launch of the Campus CMI programme is an important part of achieving this aim. It gives young people an opportunity to grow in these key areas, as well as a formal qualification to demonstrate their abilities. Not only will this look great on their CV, but it should also give them confidence that they have the skills that employers are looking for."

External links

To find out more about Campus CMI, visit: www.managers.org.uk/CampusCMI

New government fund aims to boost skills to drive growth

Secretary of state for business, Vince Cable, and minister for skills, John Hayes, today launched a £50 million a year fund to help businesses develop the skills they need to drive growth.
The Growth and Innovation Fund (GIF) aims to deliver targeted help for employer groups to overcome barriers to growth within their sectors and industries. The government says the funding could deliver new training to boost innovation and productivity, enable industries to set new professional standards, or support new or extended National Skills Academies.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) plans to invest up to £50m per year in partnership with businesses, whose investment alongside Government could deliver a total of up £100m a year.
Secretary of state Vince Cable said: "This government understands that to rebalance and grow our economy, we need to tackle the skills shortages that hold companies back. Through this fund, we will support employers that take collective action to overcome these blockages to expansion.
"By putting the employer voice at the heart of the process, we will reward inventive approaches to training that deliver real help to get business moving."
Minister for further education, skills and lifelong learning, John Hayes said: "Government investment in skills works best for individuals and communities when it responds directly to employers' needs. By giving business the power to shape the training support we offer, we will ensure that public money directly supports jobs and growth.
"I look forward to working with industries of all kinds to deliver help where it is most needed to boost performance."
The investment fund – which will be delivered in partnership by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) – invites proposals from employer organisations such as Sector Skills Councils, professional bodies and trade associations. The prospectus – published today – outlines three types of project where GIF funding and employer investment can be brought together:

• 'Best Market Solutions': which will invest in the best innovative ideas to drive enterprise and remove skills barriers to growth, including through the introduction of new voluntary professional standards and voluntary training levies
• National Skills Academies: expanding the network of National Skills Academies, which already exist in 16 sectors such as Environmental Technology, Railway Engineering and Retail
• Joint Investment Programme: bringing together employer and public investment in specific training projects which improve business productivity and growth, or address skills gaps and shortages

Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: "This Fund is about employers taking control of their own destinies. We are looking for ambitious, innovative and sustainable schemes that will tangibly improve the skills base of the sector and make a real and lasting improvement to performance."
Geoff Russell, chief executive of the Skills Funding Agency said: "This is the opportunity for employers to be pioneers, customers and investors of skills and training. Through joint employer and Government investment we can boost the country's skills and promote economic growth."

Kineo and RYA develop e-learning programme on navigation and water safety

e-Learning provider Kineo and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have worked together to create a suite of bespoke e-learning modules on navigation and water safety.
The RYA is the national body for all forms of boating, providing information and advice, as well as courses and training. Their courses are currently conducted face-to-face and usually over a number of days. However, the need to deliver them internationally, while ensuring consistency across how the courses are rolled out, meant that they had to consider a different learning approach.
RYA chose Kineo to create an e-learning programme that had to appeal to a broad range of people, doing a wide range of water-based activities, from jet skiing to yachting.
Kineo's solution included phased sections designed to build the learner's knowledge in short focused sections and to give them an opportunity to apply it in a safe environment with feedback, and then a final test to prove their capabilities.
Kineo used a rich media approach, complete with animations, videos and voiceover to explain concepts such as tidal systems to the learner.
Jane Hall, e-learning and training resources manager at the Royal Yachting Association said: "This was not an easy project, but Kineo's expertise in learning and graphic design, teamed with our instructors' knowledge of the subject meant that we have ended up with a course to be proud of. The hard work was worth it and the feedback from students and instructors so far has been great."

External links

To view a case study about the Royal Yachting Association project, visit: www.kineo.com/case-studies/rya-elearning-case-study.html
Royal Yachting Association

ISMM to showcase new qualifications at HRD 2011

The Institute of Sales & Marketing Management (ISMM) will be showcasing its new qualifications at this year's HRD Conference & Exhibition, being held on 6th and 7th April at Olympia, in London.
The ISMM's new qualifications fit into the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and include Awards at level 1; Awards and a Certificate at level 2 and Awards, a Certificate and a Diploma at level 3. The ISMM is planning to introduce level 4, 5 and 6 Awards, Certificates and Diplomas on 1st April 2011.
Denise Edens, the ISMM's director of education, said: "Visitors to HRD who're responsible for learning and development within their organisation and who want to ensure that their organisation's sales and marketing staff are appropriately skilled - and those skills accredited - should find what they're looking for in these new ISMM qualifications.
"The qualifications can be taken full or part-time, by classroom, blended or distance learning - and, of course, QCF qualifications are designed to fit around work and family commitments. Moreover, learners are entitled to their own nationally recognised Learner Record where they can bank all of the credit they've achieved."
To support its learners, the ISMM has published study guides that have been tailored to each unit's assessment criteria. The ISMM says learners can use the guide for self-study or as part of a course delivered via ISMM-approved training providers.
The courses leading to the ISMM's qualifications cover theory - such as understanding the sales cycle and the '7Ps of marketing' - as well as skills such as negotiating and closing sales.
Most of the ISMM's new qualifications involve assessment via assignment or work-based evidence of achievement, although learners attempting level 1 will sit a multiple choice exam.
The HRD 2011 conference and exhibition for learning and organisation development professionals is organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
This year's conference programme aims to offer tailored solutions and practical advice to help delegates tackle their learning and development and organisation development challenges.
The HRD exhibition runs alongside the conference, providing an opportunity to explore products and services from a wide range of suppliers. The exhibition also includes a programme of 30-minute 'hot topic updates' and a series of networking activities.

External links

The Institute of Sales & Marketing Management
HRD Conference & Exhibition 2011

Reed Learning joins forces with ASTD to offer accredited programmes & membership for L&D professionals

Training & development provider Reed Learning has been chosen by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) as the international partner to manage their membership and qualifications in the UK.
The ASTD Certification Institute's qualifications include the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP).
A range of ASTD programmes are in the process of being mapped to the Qualifications & Credit Framework to offer a training programme for L&D professionals at QCF Level 5.
The partnership was launched in London yesterday by ASTD's president and CEO, Tony Bingham, and Reed Learning's managing director, Hugh Greenway.
Tony Bingham said: "ASTD is committed to supporting the global community of learning and HRD professionals to advance the field. We share our excitement and enthusiasm in joining Reed Learning in a new partnership focused on the UK."
Eleanor Maimane, head of faculty at Reed Learning, said: "We recognised a clear need for a membership organisation and suite of programmes to specifically cater for UK L&D professionals. We are immensely proud to be partnering with ASTD to offer greater accessibility for ASTD's membership and training programmes."
Reed Learning will be leading a delegation of UK members to the ASTD international conference in Orlando, Florida in May 2011.

External links

To find out more about Reed Learning and the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD), visit: www.reedlearning.co.uk/ASTD

UK agencies join IDM Summer School programme

OgilvyOne, Rapp and EHS 4D Group have joined the line-up of companies involved with the 2011 IDM Summer School.
The Summer School is the Institute of Direct Marketing's week-long introduction to the direct and digital profession for graduates and undergraduates.
Each year, the Institute receives some 200 applications to attend the programme from which around 30 candidates are selected to go through to the free-to-attend course
Together, the agencies will give the Summer School attendees a perspective on what it's like to work agency-side in the direct and digital profession, and will give the students the opportunity to work on real case studies from their client portfolio.
Sam Williams-Thomas, managing director at OgilvyOne, said: "It's a real privilege to be involved with the IDM's student Summer School. The fantastic work that the Institute does to make sure that we keep a continuous stream of bright graduates coming into direct marketing is still one of the profession's best-kept secrets. It shouldn't be. And more organisations should be coming on board to ensure the IDM can keep up the good work!"

External links

Summer School applications are still being taken by the IDM, but are due to close on Friday February 25 2011. Interested students should visit: www.urthebrand.co.uk/summer-school.aspx to apply.

Now Recruitment announces second intake of graduates

Now Recruitment's graduate training programme has taken on its second intake of trainees following a successful pilot scheme last year.
Now Recruitment, which is based in Birmingham and has offices across the UK and Australia, completed its second round of interviews and assessments in December and has offered two trainees permanent positions at its Birmingham and Newcastle branches.
Tracey Androlia, Now Recruitment's development director, said: "We've been delighted but not surprised by the level of interest our graduate scheme has received.
"Recruitment is a tough industry to get into without experience. Our scheme offers not only the chance to get that experience but also a structured training programme so that our graduates develop the skills and confidence they need to build a successful career in the industry."
The new trainees took part in a month long induction and training programme at the beginning of the year where they were given instruction in all aspects of recruitment from basic telephone skills through to handling client meetings and taking references. They will continue to attend individual and group training sessions throughout their first year.
Now Recruitment's trainees have the opportunity to specialise in one of the company's divisions – Construction, Accountancy, Education, Trades and Labour, Mechanical and Electrical and Rail.
Since the launch of the scheme in September 2010 the company has taken on seven graduates who are based at branches in Birmingham, Newcastle, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
Now Recruitment is planning a third intake of graduate trainees in the summer.
Managing Director Gary Redman says: "We aren't constrained by having a certain number of places to fill each year so any graduate coming to us with talent, a determination to work hard and succeed will be given the opportunity to work with us.
"This approach, and our training programme, has worked fantastically well so far. Our first intake of graduates are proving a real asset to the company already. We're committed to continuing with the scheme and are looking forward to finding some of the industry stars of the future."

External links

Now Recruitment

Public sector L&Ds optimistic despite budget cuts, says survey

According to research from e-learning company Brightwave, two thirds of UK public sector L&D and training professionals expect to improve the level of service they can deliver to their organisations by increasing e-learning and collaborative working.
The survey found that 88% plan to increase their use of e-learning in order to meet new government cost reduction targets. A further 58% predict more collaborative working and 49% will reduce classroom-based training to help cut costs.
Brightwave says the projected increase in the use of e-learning has continued to grow, increasing by 76% since the company started its benchmarking survey nearly two years ago. At the start of 2009 only half of L&D professionals expected to increase the use of e-learning, whereas 88% currently anticipate an increase. In addition, Brightwave says more L&D professionals expect to collaborate - rising from 42% saying they expect to take this approach in 2009, to nearly 60% who currently expect more collaborative working.
Brightwave's survey polled HR, e-learning and training specialists in local government during September 2010.
Charles Gould, managing director at Brightwave, said: "The age of austerity is clearly having a deep impact on the way we all work, both in the private and public sector. The role and anticipated use of e-learning is growing, but we must be careful not to look at learning technologies as simply a way to cut costs. Quality e-learning initiatives with engaging content that address clear organisational objectives are crucial to delivering real value.
"In fact, many Councils are already working together and building their e-learning services to deliver engaging and effective training. We recently met a number of Scottish Councils in Glasgow for an event on 'delivering change'. They are embracing this technology and finding ways to collaborate."
City of Edinburgh Council, who contributed to Brightwave's recent 'delivering change' event, established the City of Edinburgh Council Interactive Learning (CECiL) service four years ago to provide online learning for Council employees using Brightwave's Local Government E-Learning Service as its platform.
Paul McGhee, leadership and development manager at the City of Edinburgh Council said: "Our e-learning platform, CECiL, has substantially reduced the costs in providing training. To date savings have amounted to over £800k.
"It has enabled high volume training delivery at lower cost and greater speed, facilitated a quicker response to educating policy and procedural change, and improved the quality and diversity of training and development options available. It has also freed up valuable time enabling the corporate learning team to move to a more consultancy led, bespoke service, adding increased value across the organisation."

New road safety evaluation website launched

A free website that aims to help road safety practitioners evaluate their education, training and publicity activities was launched today by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the Department for Transport.
At the heart of the Road Safety Evaluation website (www.roadsafetyevaluation.com) is 'E-valu-it' - an interactive tool designed to help practitioners plan, carry out, and report the results of education, training and publicity (ETP) evaluations. The site also includes background information and guidance about evaluation.
It was developed after it was found that, while evaluation of road safety engineering was already an established discipline, road safety practitioners faced difficulties in evaluating their ETP activities.
Mike Penning, road safety minister, said: "In the current economic climate everyone wants to make sure they are spending taxpayers' money in the most effective way. To do that it is vital organisations can accurately evaluate all activities - whether they are road engineering measures or education campaigns.
"This new website will allow local authorities to assess the value of education, training and publicity activities, which will in turn help them to design high quality schemes and target them where they will have the most impact. I am delighted that we have been able to work with RoSPA to develop this invaluable tool and I hope it will be widely used by road safety practitioners."
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA's head of road safety, said: "It is recognised that it is much harder to evaluate road safety ETP than road safety engineering. But it is more important than ever that we are able to demonstrate the effectiveness of what we do. The sharing of such information is also important - road safety practitioners have much to learn from each other about interventions that have worked and also those that have been less successful."
To enable knowledge to be shared, RoSPA says E-valu-it encourages users to publish their final reports on www.roadsafetyevaluation.com, as well as on the Road Safety Knowledge Centre website and their own organisations' websites.
Twelve regional workshops, involving the DfT, RoSPA and local authorities across Britain, are being held as part of the website's development.

External links

Road Safety Evaluation website
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
Department for Transport

UK businesses are failing employees on training, says survey

According to research commissioned by IT and business skills provider Global Knowledge, businesses are failing to meet the career aspirations and training needs of their employees.
The survey found that despite 72% of employees viewing learning and development opportunities as just as important as salary when choosing their next job, many still face barriers from their employers in getting the training they want.
The survey also suggests that many businesses risk wastage by failing to effectively monitor the return on investment of their training.
The results were taken from over 700 respondents who were either responsible for learning and development, or employees within IT and commercial departments. According to the research, 57% of employees claimed they weren't being given the budget for learning and development opportunities. A further 49% of those surveyed stated they couldn't get the time off work to train.
Of the businesses that did invest in training, Global Knowledge says many fail to effectively monitor the ROI of the investments they're making:

• 21% of businesses said their company didn't check that learning had been effective
• 53% said they relied on observation to check new skills. Just 5% of employers asked employees to complete online post-learning assessments
• Only 26% had follow-up discussions with staff to assess the value of the training they'd done

Allan Pettman, UK managing director of Global Knowledge, said: "The survey shows that individuals and organisations are on different wavelengths when thinking about training. Employees value training yet it's sad to see that many employers are failing in their responsibility to match employees' passion to learn and develop.
"In tough economic times, it's more important than ever that employers help their staff to grow and innovate. Failure to invest in training places a burden on employees, many of whom are relying on their skills to remain employable and maintain career progression. These results would suggest that employers are badly letting them down."
The survey also assessed the uptake of the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). The SFIA can help organisations to identify the skills they need and match them to relevant courses. While 57% of organisations wanted to know about the SFIA, only 9% were in the process of implementing it and just 13% said it was already widely used the SFIA.
"Initiatives like the SFIA can help in aligning IT training to business goals so it's surprising that so many companies are failing to adopt it in a climate where you would have expected them to be accounting for every penny," Allan added. "It's clear that employers really should be doing more to invest in training, otherwise they'll face challenges of staff retention, motivation and encouraging innovation."

External links

Global Knowledge UK