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 SKILLSOFT
COMPLETES NETG ACQUISITION
 SkillSoft
has completed the acquisition of NETg from The Thomson Corporation
for approximately $270 million in cash. Consolidated revenue for
the NETg business in 2006 was $149 million with operating costs
of $167 million. SkillSoft says the combined entity “will
offer a robust multi-modal solution that includes online courses,
simulations, video programs and digitized books as well as complementary
learning technologies”. SkillSoft will incorporate NETg’s
virtual instructor-led training under the name of SkillSoft Live
Learning. It plans to support the NETg content on its own LMS SkillPort
and will integrate SkillSoft content with the NETg learning management
platforms. It says its long-term goal is to offer a single unified
LMS platform. May 2007
NEW
NON-EXECS FOR IITT
The Institute of IT Training has announced two new appointments.
Colin Thompson, former deputy Chief Executive of the BCS, and Donald
Taylor of InfoBasis, the winner of the Colin Corder Award 2007,
have been appointed to the IITT Board as non executive directors.
Their first project is to launch the IITT Members’ Advisory
Board which will become an important part of the governance of the
Institute. The IITT says members who sit on the Members’ Advisory
Board will be conferred with an honorary status of Companion of
the Institute of IT Training (CIITT) for the duration of their term
of office. May 2007
EXTENSION
FOR PARITY MTS CONTRACT
HBOS has extended its managed service contract with Parity Training
for a further 12 months. Penny Clarke of HBOS Group HR Services
said “We hope to have another successful year working with
Parity. The relationship is in its sixth year and Parity continue
to provide us with excellent training and services”. May
2007
BCS
IT INDUSTRY AWARDS – ENTER NOW!
The BCS is now accepting registrations for the BCS
IT Industry Awards 2007. This year the BCS is partnering with
NCC and Intellect to recognise the best organisations, projects
and individuals. Among the categories for individual excellence
is the award for IT Trainer of the Year, sponsored by Training Synergy,
for individuals who are responsible for the design and delivery
of training to customers, business users or IT staff. The deadline
for entries is 26 July 2007. May 2007
MPS
TO INVESTIGATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT LOANS SCAM
A government-backed student loan scheme has been targeted by fraudsters,
leaving victims with no tuition and debts totalling millions of
pounds. Now the all-party Parliamentary Education Committee is to
investigate how the government failed to vet companies registered
for the Career Development Loan (CDL) scheme, allowing criminals
and failing businesses to profit at the expense of students. The
scheme gives students access to interest-free loans of up to £8,000
if they train with one of 2,000 training providers named on a register
at the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). So far more than 100 firms
on the list have gone bust, leaving students with debts to pay off
but no courses to attend. The Education Committee found that the
learning accounts debacle had cost taxpayers up to £400m.
The LSC says it is the responsibility of the student to ensure the
provider and course satisfy their needs. (Reported by The Observer/IITT)
[This sounds just like Individual Learning Accounts all over again.
Will the government and the LSC never learn?] May
2007
NEW
QUALIFICATIONS IN IT?
The ProfIT Alliance, which says it aims to establish the foundations
of professionalism in the IT industry, expects that a key output
from its work will be a set of high-level professional qualifications,
aimed at key disciplines in IT, which are valued by employers. The
disciplines are defined in the IT Professional Competency Model
(IPCM), and there is a mapping of SFIA skills to these disciplines
– see the SFIA website
. The IPCM itself is available at here.
May 2007
PEOPLE
ON THE MOVE
Jasmine Huxtable-Wright has left her role as EMEA Training Manager
at Red Hat to become Senior Manager, Northern Europe at Symantec
Education Services. Her successor at Red Hat is Jens Ziemann. Robert
Eighteen of Key Training Solutions has retired; his replacement
as Operations Director is Danny Lee, who has been promoted from
Sales Director. And Peter Hopley has moved from Kaplan, where he
was Global VP for Sales and Alliances, to join Atlantic Link as
VP International Sales. May 2007
PROMETRIC
AND SCP EXTEND PARTNERSHIP
Prometric, the specialist in technology-enabled testing and assessment
services, has announced that the Security Certified Program (SCP)
has extended its contract with Prometric to administer its network
security certification exams worldwide. SCP develops multi-level,
vendor neutral security certification and training programmes and
has a network of authorized training partners. It is one of the
largest providers of IT security certifications in the US, and its
website says it is “working to locate quality partners in
the United Kingdom”. May 2007
ATLANTIC
LINK OPENS USA OFFICE
 Atlantic
Link is opening an office in Atlanta GA, USA, and says it expects
to replicate the “phenomenal success” it has enjoyed
in the UK. The company has already signed an OEM deal with a leading
e-learning vendor and has several events scheduled over the next
few months including the CLO summit in Palm Springs, the ASTD 2007
International Conference in Atlanta and the Brandon Hall ‘Innovations
in Learning’ conference, where it is a gold sponsor. “We
expect to take the American market by storm”, it modestly
predicts. May 2007
TRAINING
OUTSOURCING METHODOLOGY FROM GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE
Global Knowledge has introduced SOLVE, a learning project management
methodology, “to raise the bar in the international training
outsourcing market and to position its recently-introduced Total
Learning Approach service as the number-one choice for managed training
contracts”. SOLVE is a five-step methodology used by learning
project managers to understand and solve learning issues quickly
and efficiently. Global Knowledge says SOLVE “ensures that
large-scale, outsourced training contracts are managed in line with
each customer's business goals and that each learning solution is
designed and implemented to achieve measurable business outcomes”.
May 2007
CAN
E-LEARNING SAVE THE PLANET?
e-Learning vendor SkillSoft says that, with increasing pressure
on businesses to cut their carbon emissions, online learning is
the environmentally friendly way to train staff. It says e-learning
can impact on an organisation's carbon footprint by reducing the
amount of travel, power and paper necessary to provide workforce
training. So as part of its campaign to encourage 'greener training',
it will allow medium and large size organisations (i.e. with 250
or more employees) to evaluate up to five online training courses
of their choice, for a period of 30 days. May
2007
BCS
OFFERS IOD DIRECTOR QUALIFICATION
Members of the British Computer Society and others could be eligible
to sit a new chartered qualification for company directors, thanks
to a partnership deal with the Institute of Directors. The BCS says
this is the first board level programme it has offered for IT professionals.
The Diploma in Company Direction is for aspiring executives and
senior managers who want to make the next step up, as well as for
experienced and newly-inducted IT directors. The first partnership
course is due to start in September 2007. May
2007
E-LEARNING
SHOWS STEADY GROWTH SAYS EPIC STUDY
An independent study into the e-learning market, commissioned by
e-learning company Epic, shows steady growth, poor profitability
and improving productivity in the industry. The study, conducted
by John Helmer, took in 157 companies providing e-learning products
and services in the UK, and looked at financial performance over
a three-year period. It found year-on-year growth of 18%, improving
productivity – topline revenue per employee increased by 24%
over the period studied – and poor profitability, with some
players prepared to bear heavy losses in order to build market share.
The picture that emerges, says Epic, is of an emerging, fragmented
industry, with consolidation fuelling rapid growth at the top of
the market, sometimes at the expense of profitability. May
2007
SAP
AND ADOBE JOIN FORCES FOR VIRTUAL LEARNING
 SAP
and Adobe Systems are collaborating on a new product, SAP Enterprise
Learning environment, “designed to help companies drive continuous
employee education more efficiently and cost effectively than with
traditional in-person training”. SAP Enterprise Learning creates
a learning environment through the combination of SAP Learning Solution
with Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional, a customisable Web conferencing
solution. SAP says it will enable organisations to conduct, measure
and track virtual classes while allowing employees to collaborate
in real-time with instructors and other learners. It is scheduled
to be available in Q3 2007. May 2007
TOWARDS
MATURITY - FACTS AND FIGURES PUBLISHED
In February, we reported on the Skills for Business Network’s
report on its research into workplace e-learning. A further report
– Towards Maturity: Facts and Figures – is now available
for free down
load. The report features several sections which were not included
in earlier reports, including the effect of IT capability on e-learning
availability and take-up, and trends in software and learning technologies.
May 2007
DATA
SHARING AND SKILLS ANALYSIS FROM INFOBASIS
Capability management expert InfoBasis has announced the availability
of two new talent management add-ons for its InfoBasis ESI platform.
The Publish & Subscribe add-on allows administrators to share
data between installations – for example on job roles and
skills frameworks – while the Aggregate & Analyse add-on
allows subscribers at different implementations to aggregate this
shared data for analysis and benchmarking. May
2007
IITT
ACCREDITATION FOR RWD
RWD Technologies has passed the Institute of IT Training’s
vetting process to become an Accredited Training Provider. RWD is
a privately held US-based corporation providing services in the
areas of performance solutions, enterprise learning, and applied
technologies. It was founded in 1988 and has annual revenues of
over $100 million. May 2007
WILLIAM
VANDERBILT APPOINTED VP AT NIIT
William Vanderbilt, known to many in the UK IT training industry
as Vice President of Education and Training at CompTIA, is moving
on to become Vice President, IT Partner Enablement at NIIT USA.
Vanderbilt has over 20 years’ experience in all aspects of
IT education, and is an MBA and a Master of Divinity. In his new
role he will assume responsibility for strategy in the IT industry,
focusing on channel partner enablement. NIIT was established in
India in 1981 and is ranked by IDC among the top 20 global IT training
companies. It has 3,000 employees in 30 countries, and its subsidiaries
include Cognitive Arts and Element K. May 2007
PODCASTING
TIPS FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS
Ufi, the company behind the learndirect e-learning network, has
pooled its expertise with Kineo, a rapid e-learning organisation,
to create a beginner’s guide to podcasting. Called ‘Podcasting
Reviewed’, the free guide helps those new to the concept to
decide if it could be an effective learning tool and gives tips
on how to go about setting up, creating and sharing a podcast. This
is the first
in a series of guides and discussion papers through which Ufi/learndirect
and Kineo will explore key issues in the e-learning world. May
2007
PPI
PARTNERS WITH LEARNINGGUIDE
PPI Learning Services has launched AthenaAssist, a performance support
system based on LearningGuide technologies and methods, “to
provide strategic clients with a new breed of highly effective,
custom designed training rollout”. PPI says AthenaAssist enables
employees to get the information they need when they need it, and
is valuable for organisations running a helpdesk or support service,
or for software migration projects. May 2007
ACADEMY
INTERNET ACQUIRES VIV COLE ASSOCIATES
Academy Internet has announced the acquisition of the e-learning
business of Viv Cole Associates. Viv Cole, an instructional designer,
trainer and chartered accountant, has been appointed to head Academy
Internet’s interests in the Professional Services vertical
sector. Academy Internet also says that following record Q1 sales
figures, it is on track in its aim to become one of the top 25 digital
media businesses in the UK by 2010. May 2007
GIUNTI
LABS EXPANDS TO SPAIN AND SOUTH AMERICA
Having recently opened a North American office in Boston MA, Giunti
Labs has expanded its international presence still further by moving
into the Spanish and South American markets. The move has been prompted
by the launch of the Spanish language version of Giunti Labs' learn
eXact LCMS platform. Giunti Labs, which has its EMEA headquarters
in Italy and an office in Milton Keynes, provides a range of services
including content production and solutions for content, learning
& knowledge management. May 2007
EPIC
UNVEILS NEW RAPID E-LEARNING AND CONSULTING TOOLS
Epic has launched Rapid Create, its new authoring tool for rapid
e-learning. Epic says the Flash-based tool, available under licence,
cuts the time and cost of producing quality e-learning and also
provides full accessibility. Epic has also introduced Evolution,
a new maturity model for learning, which “provides a road
map for negotiating the increasingly complex world of learning and
development for organisations who need to manage their talent and
skills development more effectively”. May
2007
THIRDFORCE
OPENS NEW UK HEADQUARTERS
 e-Learning
courseware and testing provider ThirdForce has moved into a new
UK headquarters building in Uxbridge, adding to its existing offices
in Dublin, Somerset, Australia and Canada. ThirdForce claims to
be the largest supplier of e-learning courses in ICT in the UK and
one of the main suppliers to Ufi learndirect. It says its expanded
presence in the UK reflects a sustained upswing in UK business.
It recently announced a 51% jump in profits and an increase in revenues
of 33%. May 2007
FLAGSHIP
TRAINING TO USE INFOBASIS
Flagship Training has signed a five-year agreement to use InfoBasis
capability management technology to manage the human capital of
over 1,000 employees, working in its training and project management
streams. Flagship delivers military and maritime training to over
400 organisations around the world, on topics as diverse as warfare,
engineering, fire fighting and leadership skills. It has annual
revenues in excess of £128 million and recently signed a £120m
extension to its partnering arrangement with the Royal Navy. It
is a joint venture between BAE Systems and the VT Group and is headquartered
in Portsmouth. May 2007
REDTRAY
GROWTH RECOGNISED AGAIN
Blended learning provider RedTray has been recognised by Media Momentum
as one of the top ten fastest growing Digital Media Companies. This
follows recognition last year by the Sunday Times, which identified
RedTray as the 5th fastest growing IT company. RedTray says it has
provided blended learning solutions to over 100 clients in the petrochemical,
telecommunications, health, pharmaceutical, engineering, financial
services, professional services, transport and adult education sectors.
May 2007
NEW
RESIDENTIAL FORMAT FOR MAVEN – AND NEW COURSES
Maven Training is to run its PRINCE2 Practitioner and Managing Successful
Programmes (MSP) training courses in a new residential format at
the Node Conference Centre in Hertfordshire, which it says “combines
the atmosphere of a country house with the sophisticated facilities
of a professional training centre”. Delegates will be offered
the option of undertaking training as a residential event, using
the Node's facilities during the evenings, or as a standard Monday-to-Friday
training course. In a separate announcement, Maven is also adding
Principles of Change Management and Business Analysis Courses to
its open course schedule. May 2007
BRIGHTWAVE
CREATES PORTAL BASED LEARNING FOR BCI
 Brightwave
has been selected by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland to develop,
launch and host a pilot e-learning initiative. The compliance driven
programme will focus on the Irish General Advertising Code, providing
Ireland's broadcasters with the knowledge and practical help to
comply with regulations in this highly regulated industry. The programme
will be hosted by Brightwave on its Launch & Track LMS and will
include learning modules “brought to life through interactive
scenarios and situational simulations”. This will be the first
component of what the BCI intends will become a dedicated e-learning
portal for all of Ireland's broadcasters. May
2007
INTELLECT
LAUNCHES YOUNG PROFESSIONALS’ NETWORK
Intellect, the trade association for the UK IT, telecommunications
and electronics industries, has launched the Intellect Young Professionals’
Network, which aims to highlight the all-pervasive nature of the
technology industry in our modern economy. Membership of the network
is open to all young professionals in the hi-tech and connected
industries and nearly 200 people have already registered to participate.
Intellect says the network will offer an environment to network,
socialise and share experiences, providing members with advice and
guidance on career and business goals. May 2007
NEW
DIPLOMA IN IT WEBSITE NOW LIVE
e-skills UK has launched a website on
the new Diploma in IT. This is a new qualification aimed at transforming technology-related
education for 14-19 year olds. Launching with 45 school and college consortia
in September 2008, e-skills UK says it is designed
“to provide young learners with the skills and knowledge
they will require for future careers in an increasingly technology-led
world…
Learners will explore the potential technology has to transform
and contribute to organisations, individuals and society; learn
how to deliver successful projects; create technology solutions
to meet business requirements; and develop the ability to work
effectively in a professional environment”. As well as information
on the Diploma's content, the website includes details of the Gateway
process and consortia, an FAQ section and a range of complimentary
documentation to download. May 2007
CBI
WANTS EMPLOYERS TO AWARD DEGREES
British workers are wrongly branded as low-skilled because the
national qualification system does not recognise the excellent
training schemes many undertake at work, according to the CBI.
It is urging the government to reform the qualifications framework
to ensure that training given to staff is recognised. Allowing
companies to award their own nationally recognised qualifications
would be a vital first step to achieving this, the group says in
a report, Shaping up for the future: the business vision for
education & skills. It says the government should recognise
the value of this training by giving employers who train their
staff the same power to award qualifications as universities who
give diplomas and degrees to their own students. As well as tackling
the fallacy that British workers are poorly skilled, the CBI says
this would also help attract more inward investment to the UK as
the country rises up the league tables of skilled workers.
As a first step towards recognising in-house training, the CBI
wants the government to set up pilot schemes to road test the best
training methods and discover how the self-accreditation idea could
best be implemented. To help smaller firms, the CBI also wants
the government to re-establish the Small Firms Initiative. This
offered companies of 5-49 employees help to audit the skills they
possess, highlight areas of improvement and develop an achievable
training plan. May 2007
OVER
2 MILLION KEY SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS
Young people and adults are increasingly gaining Key Skills qualifications
that employers, universities and colleges value highly, says a
government statistical release. Key Skills are practical, applied
skills that complement subject studies. They include English, mathematics
and ICT as well as personal and social skills. New figures show
sustained growth in awards of key skills qualifications with 2.2
million made up to 2005/06 and achievements in that year 27% greater
than in 2004/05 – which should mean that those entering the
workplace or further learning are better equipped. May
2007
SINGLE
INSPECTORATE FOR LEARNERS ARRIVES
The new Ofsted, a single inspectorate for children and learners,
has been created with a mission to raise standards and improve
lives. Its full title is the Office for Standards in Education,
Children’s Services and Skills. Its vision is to achieve
excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education
and skills for learners of all ages, through inspection and regulation.
It brings together the experience of four inspectorates, including
the Adult Learning Inspectorate and the current work of Ofsted.
Its responsibilities will include the inspection of all publicly-funded
adult education and training and some privately-funded training
provision. The Education and Inspections Act that establishes the
new Ofsted requires the inspectorate to promote improvement in
the public services it inspects and regulates; ensure that these
services focus on the interests of children, parents, learners
and employers; and that these services are efficient and effective. May
2007
GOVERNMENT
DEPARTMENTS PLEDGE TO RAISE SKILLS
Leaders across central government have made a commitment that every
eligible employee will be helped to gain basic skills and a Level
Two qualification (broadly equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A -
C). This commitment covers over 475,000 people working to deliver
public services in nineteen departments. Sir Richard Mottram, Chairman
of Government Skills, says this clearly signals the determination
of the civil service to meet the skills challenge highlighted in
the Leitch Report.
To ensure progress against the pledge can be monitored effectively,
Government Skills has commissioned a skills survey across the entire
sector. It says this survey will give it a detailed picture of
the current skills of employees which it can share with employers – and
training providers –
to enable it to plan more effectively the learning and development
activity required. May 2007
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