Training for small firms

Citation

(1999), "Training for small firms", Education + Training, Vol. 41 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.1999.00441aab.009

Training for small firms

Training for small firms

Keywords Colleges, Small firms, Vocational training

Small and medium-size firms want short-term, practical and flexible training packages which are based in the workplace and include the loan of equipment, according to a Further Education Development Agency report.

It also says that lack of sustained Government funding is a pressing issue for small firms, and ways of reducing costs for training need to be found. Moreover, small firms do not see further-education colleges as natural training providers.

These problems can be overcome if colleges work closely with companies in their area. In particular, personal contact with college staff and a willingness to adapt training programmes to meet the pressing needs of small firms are effective approaches. Partnership with other organizations is also a successful strategy.

The report, Promoting Learning in Small and Medium-Size Enterprises, is based on research carried out with nine further-education colleges. Further information is available from Liz Marshall, at the Further Education Development Agency, on 0171 436 0020.