Employees
training needs and expectations differ dramatically depending on their age,
gender, location and domestic context.
A
survey by Cambridge Online Learning (COL) of 1,000 working adults reveals twice
as many 16-24 year olds (33 per cent) were concerned about ‘levels of support’
on courses than more experienced respondents aged 45-54 (15 per cent) and those
over 55 (15 per cent).
Members
of the youngest age group were also significantly more motivated to take
training by ‘better job and salary prospects’ (75 per cent) than older
colleagues (47 per cent of 45-54 year olds).
By
contrast, older employees appear to be less driven by self-interest; preferring
courses with ‘relevance to real-life work’ (31 per cent of 35-54 year-olds
compared with 23 per cent of 16-24s).
Training
that can be delivered ‘at a time and place that suits’ is more important to
female respondents (48 per cent) than to men (39 per cent), and rises in
importance for both genders if they have children, large households generally
and internet access.
David
Towler, CEO and principal of COL said the survey results confirms the view that
a more flexible approach to management training is required for today’s
increasingly hyper-linked and hyperactive business world.
Towler
said: “While demands grow – from both government and businesses – for a
solution to the current UK management skills gap, training providers also need
to cater for the aspirations and lifestyles of tomorrow’s managers.”
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