L&D Professionals
Training for tomorrow: Mastering manufacturing skills with immersive technology
With XR training, workers can practise on virtual equipment to upskill in a risk-free environment. Mike Peeler explains The comfort of tradition can be a hurdle for innovation in manufacturing. Legacy systems, while reliable, can create a reluctance to embrace new training approaches like immersive technologies. Enterprise leaders are concerned about potential production downtime during installation and employee training on these new systems. XR training allows for continuous training without sacrificing production However, the initial discomfort of adopting new training methods should…
Supercharging soft skills in the age of AI
In today’s increasingly AI-driven workplaces, soft skills are crucial for competitive advantage and career success. Steve Macaulay and David Buchanan show you how to stay ahead Will you be replaced by artificial intelligence? Probably not. Unique human abilities such as empathy and creativity are becoming increasingly valuable. AI takes over tasks, not jobs. But it is now affecting non-routine and intellectual tasks that used to resist automation. Soft skills are central to individual employability, corporate performance, and competitive advantage Some…
Leaders are approaching skill building all wrong
It’s time to change “What’s in it for me?” to “What’s in it for them?” Stuart Cheesman explores an employee-centric approach UK leaders will be fully aware of their organisation’s skills gap, and HR’s struggles at filling the void. And with the World Economic Forum, stating that 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025, learning and development (L&D) initiatives have never been more important. An ‘employee first’ approach to skill building bolsters inclusion, a sense of community and organisational growth…
Labour’s return: Implications for skills and development
Labour’s election victory reshapes the UK workplace: implications for skills, technology, safety, and mental health The Labour Party will be in Government after the 2024 UK election, for the first time in 14 years. But what does it mean for people, skills and development in organisations? The Labour Party’s win yesterday is an opportunity for the education and skills system Nicola Hay MBE Technology and skills British Safety Council’s Chairman Peter McGettrick said, “We want to see people’s health, safety…
The UK’s skills strategy – what should be prioritised?
With apprenticeship participation down, and skill spending low – what can the Labour manifesto provide businesses? Nichola Hay dives right in. Recent research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that since the introduction of the current apprenticeship levy system, there has been a 41% reduction in the number of apprenticeships starts for those under the age of 19. For those ages between 19 and 24, participation has fallen by 36%. The research highlights several factors for…
Joining the dots . . . on how L&D can drive impact through continuous development
Do you want to think more broadly and engage more people in the L&D process? Get ready to unlock the potential of continuous improvement, writes Martin Couzins Return on investment is the Achilles’ heel of learning and development. It is hard to prove and yet people still talk about it and still want it. Rather than chasing something that is so elusive, try a different tack. Focus on continuous improvement. Why? Because it frees you up to think more broadly and…
Best of both worlds: Leveraging AI and humans for coaching at scale
The future of coaching rests with those who can successfully blend artificial and human intelligence. Andy Chandler and Sam Isaacson explain For several years now, the demand for coaching within organisations has been rising, with increasing expectations for personalised employee development experiences. As a predominantly non-directive discipline, coaching is more personalised than most learning and development (L&D) offerings, but the ability to harness the power of high-quality coaching from the ‘few’ to the ‘many’ is a challenge. The emotional intelligence activated…
10 ways understanding the brain helps us in business
Uncover how the brain fuels business success and try these actionable strategies to enhance leadership and productivity from Dr Lynda Shaw Astute business leaders are tapping into neuroscience to gain deeper insights into the behaviour, thoughts, habits and ideas that influence themselves, their employees and their clients. By taking into account the brain/behaviour axis, these leaders understand that our brain alters our behaviour and vice versa, thereby giving them an edge over competitors, and holding the key to greater success…
Tech apprenticeships: A solution to the digital divide
The impact of technology apprenticeships on driving talent and diversity is explored by James McLaughlin With the UK election fast approaching, both the Conservative and Labour parties have outlined their intentions to expand apprenticeship programmes, reflecting a growing recognition of their importance and a changing perception surrounding higher education. Businesses cannot afford to overlook the numerous benefits of tech apprenticeships in driving talent and enhancing workforce diversity Although expanding apprenticeships would represent a considerable step in the right direction, particular…
Fostering connection: The antidote to workplace loneliness
A lack of connection at work has impact both for the organisation and the individual. Thom Dennis explores this and shares ways to improve A paradox has emerged in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven work environment: increased connectivity often leads to a sense of disconnection. Social media was supposed to bring us closer together, but it seems we’ve never felt so alone. Collecting ‘friends’ and followers has become a ploy that keeps us engrossed in our technology, yet lost without genuine connection.…
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