SkillBridge recognizes that training is a significant investment for any company.  More than just the cost associated with the training services, the potentially greater cost is the time critical employees must spend attending the training sessions.  Therefore, it is imperative that companies receive the greatest value for their training investment.  SkillBridge is committed to assuring that our customers receive the highest quality and greatest possible return from the training solutions that we provide.

In an effort to consistently provide high value solutions, SkillBridge applies the following methodology when implementing a technical training program for its clients:

Stage 1 - Business Assessment
SkillBridge meets with designated customer representatives to assure the proper identification and alignment of business goals and objectives associated with the introduction and application of new technologies, systems, or technical infrastructures into a corporation's business.  Though often inferred, formal declaration of the desired outcomes and business objectives proves critical in the creation of appropriate learning solutions.

Stage 2 - Learning Assessment
Utilizing the information gathered during the Business Assessment phase to assure alignment of training with business goals,   SkillBridge works closely with the client organization to identify and prioritize present skill gaps and anticipated learning needs. The learning assessment takes into consideration the culture, and environment that exists within a company that will be incorporated into the identification of potential training solutions.

Some of the questions that are addressed during this stage include:

The goal of this stage is to clarify the learning needs of the targeted audience and to assure that the recommended solution addresses those needs.  In addition, if customization is necessary, these discussions will provide a forum to discuss the scope of the required changes .

Stage 3 - Design & Implementation of Training Programs
SkillBridge will provide course outlines to assist in the selection of appropriate training programs. Course outlines are tools that should be used as discussion points to assist in the preliminary identification of what the students hope to accomplish with the requested training class.  The outlines are distributed to appropriate individuals for feedback and based on that feedback, SkillBridge will then provide recommendations on potential programs to address the learning needs.

Working closely with the customer, SkillBridge will also evaluate the following variables in providing recommended approaches for the fulfillment of training requirements:

• Development or Content Customization
  Leveraging our partnerships with industry leading courseware and technology training content providers as well as individual subject matter experts, SkillBridge identifies the training content that is most suited to a customers learning needs and overlying business objectives.  In the event that existing or ‘off-the-shelf' content does not suitably address our clients' needs, SkillBridge can provide customization or development of the required content.   

• Training Modalities
  Building upon our identification of appropriate content and curricula, SkillBridge can leverage our capabilities and understanding of training methods and modalities including:
   Instructor Led Training (ILT) – Classroom and Seminar
   Technology Based Training (TBT) – Web and Distance E-Learning
   On The Job Training (OJT) – Mentoring, “Project Focused Training”

Incorporating our understanding of a customer's culture and environment, SkillBridge can identify various options and associated investments, timeframes, benefits and potential pitfalls for each training approach evaluated.

After the solution has been identified, SkillBridge will provide the customer with a survey questionnaire to be distributed to the anticipated participants.  Groups are often diverse in nature, possessing varying technical backgrounds, competencies, and goals.  The learning survey provides an additional opportunity for the client's learning team and SkillBridge to fully understand the group's common requirements prior to the delivery.  This will allow for final modifications to the delivery to meet the most common objectives discovered among the individuals. 

Stage 4 – Delivery Logistics and Procedure
SkillBridge coordinates the many logistical details associated with preparation for the training event including the ordering, tracking and delivery of courseware.  We can also provide technical phone support for our customers' internal IT staff to assist in the classroom setup of the course.  We also communicate any special instructions that need to be provided to our learning consultant (directions, security requirements & procedures, parking, travel arrangements, etc.).  This attention to detail assures a smooth delivery of the training course.

SkillBridge has learned that the quality of the instructor is one of the most critical factors affecting the success of a training delivery. SkillBridge only utilizes “best of breed” IT training professionals who possess both strong training skills as well as real world experience applying the technologies that they teach. This rare combination of skills assures an excellent training experience for your staff.  During the delivery SkillBridge's learning consultant will set expectations at the beginning of class, conduct progress checks throughout the delivery and addresses questions and concerns throughout the delivery.  The learning consultant is also available after hours (after class discussions, emails, etc.) as necessary.  As the class draws to a close our learning consultant addresses any and all outstanding questions, directs students to appropriate solutions and probes for follow on requirements. 


Stage 5 – Evaluation and Debrief: 
SkillBridge utilizes course evaluations as an integral part of our customer satisfaction and quality improvement process.  The course evaluations gauge participant response to all aspects of the course including the learning consultant, the course materials, the facilities and overall satisfaction with the event.  SkillBridge has designed our own course evaluation forms, but can easily adopt a client's evaluation form if desired.  SkillBridge typically conducts course evaluations at the completion of the training, but if desired evaluations can be conducted on a more frequent basis to allow further feedback during the delivery.

After the training has been delivered, we suggest conducting a follow-up meeting to debrief on each event.  Agenda items for this meeting include a discussion of the evaluations and participant feedback, observations and comments from the SkillBridge Learning Consultant as well as the identification of any changes to the overlying business goals and desired outcomes.  From these discussions, changes or modifications to the program can be identified and an implementation plan created.  Any follow up training needs can also be addressed at this time.


SUMMARY:
This process becomes a mechanism for the continual refinement and improvement to the training solutions we provide.  It provides for flexibility and scalability for solutions that can address the multitude of factors that exist within a corporation.  In addition, our solutions can accommodate a broad range of budgetary requirements, assuring the most cost effective approach. 

Overall, our approach assures the satisfaction of participants and the continued support and achievement of our customers' business goals by dramatically improving the value of the training solution, and the return on investment realized by our customers.