Esselenpark, Transnet`s designated training unit, has installed an e-learning library of NETg and SkillSoft courses from ADvTECH Skills for Internet-based delivery of training. This complements Esselenpark`s interactive virtual classroom and expands opportunities to reach a broader customer base.
Chipane Kgaphola, Esselenpark manager of tertiary education and technology, says: "The courses fit in with a wide range of formal qualifications including IT, management and soft skills content. They provide students with a consistent standard and exposure to international best practices. We are now planning centres within individual Transnet business units, with access to the courses through our learning portal. As a profit centre we have extended our customer base to provide just-in-time e-learning to government and business clients through the Internet."
In 1999, Esselenpark ran a pilot project using 40 core SkillSoft and NETg technology-based training (TBT) courses from ADvTECH Skills. The courses were tested on an IT business unit Datavia made available at Esselenpark. In 2000, the library was expanded to 80 courses for additional content for a wide range of clients. Esselenpark also offers the B Tech degree, certificates and national diplomas and skills training. The contract with ADvTECH Skills was renewed in 2000 and Esselenpark is planning to extend the library further.
A marketing plan to raise awareness among staff is being developed with ADvTECH Skills.
The first targeted group consists of 200 transport management students. Availability will be extended to training centres in Pietersburg and Maputo and the planned business units` learning centres. Kgaphola says the cost structure of courses has changed as TBT assists in maximising training resource usage. "Previously we had to wait for a large enough group of people to fill a class; now the training is available at any time."
TBT is a cost-effective, efficient choice for the delivery of training, says Cleone Bakker, assistant GM at ADvTECH Skills. "Instructor-led training necessitates an infrastructure of classrooms and instructors, usually not fully used, with associated costs. e-Learning contains costs; subsistence and travel allowances are eliminated and students can learn at a convenient time, without leaving their posts when needed. Students study at their own pace. The duration of the NETg and SkillSoft modules allows learning between tasks or during breaks, with the central student management system providing up-to-date student progress reports."
"The economic interdependency between southern African countries and the need to increase computer literacy in SA are driving plans to extend the availability of e-learning material," concludes Kgaphola. "The success of the transport industry depends on quality of service and we plan to go beyond South Africa`s borders to offer training to our business partners. We will also develop a programme to provide the families of our staff with a chance to develop their own skills."
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