More Small Businesses Look Outside For Employee Training

American small businesses have a long-standing reputation as being great places to gain on-the-job skills, but in recent years, these firms have also begun to seek outside help to train employees. According to an NFIB National Small Business Poll (PDF) released last week, 48 percent of the small firms surveyed used industry-specific or trade association resources for employee training within the past three years.

While most employee training is done within the firm, the nation´s entrepreneurs place much importance on outside help. The survey of 750 enterprise owners confirmed their familiarity with potential sources of employee training outside their businesses and that they use them more often than typically thought. Nearly 70 percent of those employing five or more people (up to 250 employees) said they held membership in an industry-specific trade association or business organization. Of those, 83 percent noted that one or more of those groups offer materials or programs specifically designed to train or upgrade some employees´ skills.

Does that mean good things for your business? Maybe. If you offer the type of solutions to help these small business owners, it may just be your ticket to a great business relationship. Hop on over to the NFIB (PDF) website for complete poll results.