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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.”
