Employers confirm: e-learning integral for employee training

Employers Australia-wide have confirmed that e-learning is now entrenched as a tool for employee training, according to the 2010 Employer E-learning Benchmarking Survey Draft Report released today.

The survey, conducted by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), found that half (50%) of all Australian businesses are now using e-learning to provide flexible, timely and efficient employee training (up from 40% in 2009).

It also found that employers’ awareness, knowledge and use of e-learning is steadily increasing:

• 60% said that they expect their organisation’s use of e-learning for employee training to increase in the next two years (up from 49% in 2009)

• 42% rated their knowledge of e-learning as 4 or 5 out of 5 (compared to 37% in 2009)

• 85% of employers said they would encourage their employees to use e-learning if it was available (compared to 81% in 2009)

• employers who are engaged with the vocational education and training (VET) system said they’re now more aware of and satisfied with the e-learning services offered by training providers.

Employers’ attitudes towards e-learning were overwhelmingly positive, with the majority reporting that e-learning increases access to training (88%), is a flexible training option for employees (85%) and is an efficient way for employees to undertake training (75%).

Employers also said that e-learning is providing an engaging and cost-effective training solution for remote learners and learners whose jobs require shift work.

They said that using e-learning with these learner groups cuts travel costs and reduces the time employees spend off-the-job attending training. 

The 2010 Employer E-learning Benchmarking Survey was conducted with a sample of 800 employers across Australia. Detailed analysis of the survey results, including comparisons by state/territory, industry sector and employer size will be launched at the 2010 AUSTAFE National Conference to be held in Sydney from 13-15 October.

The launch will also include the results of the 2010 registered training organisation and VET teacher/trainer surveys which are currently underway around Australia.

Visit the E-learning Indicators webpage for more e-learning research conducted by the Framework.

Read the 2010 Employer E-learning Benchmarking Survey Draft Report

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Published on 22/07/2010