Having faced some of the toughest economic conditions in recent years, there has never been a greater incentive for businesses in the North East to strengthen their position and ensure they are primed to take advantage of new opportunities that the upturn will bring, and to tackle any future challenges head on.

The talent that exists within a company’s workforce is one of its key assets and so developing the skills of employees will play a fundamental role in boosting productivity, competitiveness, morale and profitability for any business. Business Link skills adviser, Chris Hetherington looks at how staff training can help boost the talent that exists within a workforce and enhance a company’s in-house skills base.

Why is it so important for businesses to recognise the importance of upskilling their workforce?

By investing in a carefully planned and well executed training programme, businesses can gain a competitive advantage by equipping employees with the skills that the business needs to succeed. It can help staff to carry out current tasks more efficiently and to take on additional responsibilities, helping the business to operate more effectively, efficiently and ultimately, helping to increase their bottom-line.

How should business owners go about identifying training needs within their workforce?

It is important to assess your existing talent and any gaps in your skills base on a regular basis to ensure your employees have the right skills for their role and that they are kept up to date with latest practices. A training needs analysis (TNA) can help identify any gap between the skills your business needs and those that already exist within a company. It is also a good way to make sure money is spent on training that will help a business to achieve its objectives. Employee surveys, customer comments, company meetings and inspections can help identify areas where your employees could improve their performance.

An improved awareness of the strengths and weaknesses that exist within your talent base will provide the business with a framework to be the best it possibly can.

How should I go about selecting the right training for my employees?

There are many considerations when determining the most appropriate training, including cost, space, and time needed, as well as the return on investment, for each type of training.

By approaching Business Link for advice and guidance, our team of skills advisers can assess the needs of the business, explore training options that match these needs and identify which course or courses work best for the business involved and its staff.

Can I still develop the skills of my staff on a restricted budget?

It is still possible for businesses to deliver effective training and development with a restricted budget by becoming more innovative.

Cost effective training could include bringing training in-house; using experienced staff to train others; encouraging the ‘cascade’ of learning amongst employees; and by making the most of online training courses.

Business Link can also highlight where financial support may be available to assist businesses to meet their training requirements.