Staff at S4C are flying high after achieving top results in a company wide IT training programme offered by Acom Business services and online learning provider learndirect.
Staff followed a blended training programme over a number of months which combined tutor-led sessions with online learning content provided by learndirect. Learning centres were set up throughout the workplace and learners were able to continue their courses over the internet at home to build on face to face sessions.
Training Co-ordinator, Carys Lewis Morgan, said: "We wanted to achieve a consistent level of IT throughout the organisation so the European Computer Driving Licence seemed to be an ideal benchmark.
"The majority of our staff work with computers, so Improving IT competency will undoubtedly improve overall productivity. Developing IT skills gives individuals more confidence in their ability to use computer packages. It removes the fear factor and encourages employees to use more initiative on the PC.
"We needed a flexible programme to cater for shift workers throughout the organisation so a combination of online learning and tutor-led sessions was a perfect solution. We encourage continuous development and improvement for all staff and didn’t want irregular work patterns to deter individuals from gaining new skills and qualifications.
"All learners completed an online diagnostic with learndirect to assess their initial skills level and we scheduled tutor-led classes to deliver the training. Online learning with learndirect was used to underpin the knowledge covered in the classroom and individuals could work through this content in their own time either at home or from a workstation here at S4C.
"We have had some excellent results from the final assessments and some very positive feedback from learners completing the programme. Many are now asking about the Advanced ECDL qualification."
Head of Ufi Cymru, Jeff Greenidge said: "IT skills are critical in today’s competitive environment and I am pleased that staff at S4C have been taking advantage of learndirect’s flexible learning style to gain qualifications."
