Human Resource Management International Digest

Purpose – Describes how data-management company Avoca Systems Ltd established its own academy to train staff for National Health Service informatics projects.

Design/methodology/approach – Details the reasons for the establishment of the academy, how it works and the results it has achieved.

Findings – Explains that the training is a mixture of workshops delivered by in-house experts, tailored personal development, one-to-one coaching, practical exercises and shadowing of skilled personnel. There are four training modules that build the trainees' skills and experience at a pace that is right for them. The candidates learn a mixture of technical skills, NHS-specific knowledge and interpersonal skills.

Practical implications – Reveals that while the academy was initially identified as a solution to meet Avoca's internal recruitment needs, it has grown to allow the company to provide specialist skills for its customers, which is now the largest proportion of the company's business.

Social implications – Highlights how the academy's work directly affects the lives of people in the community, as Avoca appreciates the effect its attention to detail can have on the lives of patients whose data it takes care of.

Originality/value – Describes an award-winning initiative that is helping to combat the skill shortage in health-care informatics.