Bridgend-based international automotive supplier, Harman/Becker have been sending staff into cyberspace to learn new skills with the help of Bridgend College and online learning provider learndirect.
Staff have been following a range of courses online to improve IT skills, management skills, and even learn new languages.
Training Officer, Claire Evans said: "We have almost 550 staff at our Bridgend site and about 10% of these individuals are now following courses with learndirect.
"learndirect enabled us to offer the variety of courses our employees wanted and fitted in with our needs as a business. Individuals can follow courses in their own time either on PCs in work or from their own homes.
"We opened our onsite Learning Resource Centre last year and approached Bridgend College for training advice. We wanted a provider who could offer a wide variety of courses to meet the varying levels and needs of our employees. Bridgend College introduced us to learndirect and we were very pleased with the range of courses on offer and the value for money they offered.
"As a result of this project, we hope to see an improvement in staff motivation and increased confidence amongst individuals. We are expecting to increase enrolments over the next few weeks as staff become more aware of what is on offer. With the variety of courses available through learndirect, we can offer a progression route to learners and encourage them to move on to other learndirect courses expanding their knowledge and building a portfolio of recognised qualifications."
Head of learndirect in Wales, Jeff Greenidge said: "Staff training is essential to maintain a competitive edge in today’s business environment. learndirect enables companies to offer a range of courses and qualifications to employees without having to release staff from the workplace to undertake their training.
"The flexibility of online learning is ideal for both employers and employees as learners can fit studying in between work and social commitments at their convenience. New skills and qualifications can lead to increased self esteem, promotion, and a more productive workforce. I am pleased that staff at Harman/Becker are benefiting from the flexibility of learndirect courses and hope they will continue to use learndirect to gain new skills and qualifications."
