Effective staff development has
helped e-learning and management consultancy Academee achieve significant
growth since it was established in 2000.
Academee, which was
launched with a staff of just 27, has already grown to employ more than 80
people and it predicts its workforce will expand to least 170 by 2002.
The company has been
chosen by the Learning and Skills Council as a "best practice"
example of the value of progressive staff training.
Acadamee’s HR manager
Brenda McNamara, who is responsible for designing personal development plans
for all members of staff, believes training has played a vital role in the
company’s expansion.
McNamara said employee
coaching is vital in the e-learning sector. "HR and individual staff
training is seen very much as the reason for the success of Academee," she
said.
"We believe
investment in the people who come to work for us is highly important if we are
to continue to grow and keep the talent we need.
"Continuous
training and development is vitally important, especially in our industry.
"Staff have to
keep on top of technological developments if the company is to stay ahead of
the rest and if they are to stay loyal."
The company only lost
three members of staff in 2000.
McNamara said, "I
believe this is down to our willingness to accommodate the wishes of those we
employ. They too have an interest in the continued growth of the company."
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Academee CEO Simon
Hayward said, "We aim to give individuals the confidence and support they
need to be innovative, different and daring."
