Virtual College’s Trades e-Academy's online training initiative to tackle increasing skills shortage
Virtual College’s Trades e-Academy is offering firms the opportunity to trial online training for free as part of a new initiative to tackle the skills shortage in the construction industry.
'Research by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) highlights the scarcity of quality training in the construction sector,' said Hayley Rutter, Trades e-Academy Account Manager. 'In 2011 it was reported that 77% of respondents saw a skill shortage in the construction industry, an increase of 5% from the 2010 survey'.
Hayley continues, 'One of the main reasons given for the lack of training is the difficulty of taking time out of work to attend centres. However, with 89% of construction professionals within the report saying that Continuing Professional Development (CPD) was of high importance to their employment, it is essential that people have an alternative way in which they can learn these new skills'.
As part of the initiative by the Trades e-Academy, organisations are invited to register for a free three month online training trial providing access to a choice of ten CPD accredited online courses, including Data Protection, Health & Safety in the Workplace, Manual Handling, and Equality & Diversity.
The campaign marks the launch of a range of new membership packages from the Trades e-Academy aimed at organisations seeking cost effective training for their staff.
'There are many costs associated with sending employees to training centres,' says Hayley. 'Not only is there an upfront cost, there are also costs associated with travel, accommodation and time off work to attend classes'.
'Online training allows employees to study around their workload and at their own convenience. It also eliminates the cost associated with travel and accommodation as the courses can be completed wherever internet access is available'.
Registration for the e-learning trial for construction and electrical organisations is available at www.tradesea.co.uk or by phone to Hayley Rutter on 01943 885090.
About the Trades e-Academy
The Trades e-Academy is part of Virtual College - one of the UK's leading providers of total solutions within the e-learning arena. It is specifically structured to provide e-learning courses for Trades people. The Trades e-Academy make strategic use of online solutions to enhance the traditional approach to education and training. These solutions are developed in co-operation with partner organisations, including the NICEIC, to ensure that they meet the required legislation and standards.