Skills for Business to conduct research

The Skills for Business network made up of 25 Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) is aiming to boost the productivity and profitability of the UK by identifying and tackling skills gaps and shortages on a sector by sector basis. The SfBN work based e-learning project based at e-skills UK is focused on the

Over the summer, the SfBN work based e-learning project will be conducting a study to help understand why employers are currently investing elearning and the difference it is making to their business and staff. The study, building on the linking Learning to Business Report commissioned by e-learning age in 2003, will also look at significant changes and trends over the last two years. Whilst there are a range of research initiatives that look at employer skills delivery and needs across both large and small organisations, this new research programme will concentrate on the experiences of employers and staff who are existing users of work based elearning.

The study aims to support employers who not currently using e-learning by providing supporting evidence to inform appropriate decisions and creating confidence in taking the first steps that are right for their business. For those employers who have already invested in e-learning, the study will provide the opportunity to benchmark activity for continuous improvement.

The study will provide commercial and government Suppliers with useful data that will inform decisions regarding ongoing supply of work based e-learning. For the skills for Business network, the study will help them improve influence and develop skills recommendations on behalf of employers.