UK Training Industry Press Releases

63% of Learning & Development professionals working within the public sector are bracing themselves for more budget cuts throughout 2011. This figure represents a 16% increase against those who experienced cuts last year. The results have been taken from the ‘Learning Survey' compiled by the IITT. The survey lobbied the opinion of over 500 L&D professionals on various work based learning topics in January 2011.

The latest figures surrounding public sector budget cuts appear to confirm the growing amount of anxiety amongst public sector training departments. As the coalition government continues to battle against the national deficit, public sector training departments are finding themselves on the front line.

According to IITT, Chief Executive, Colin Steed, public sector Training Managers are winning the fight against the cuts by finding smarter ways to deliver training. He said: "Budget cuts put untold amounts of pressure on training teams and it's never easy to work under these conditions but trainers are known for their resilience and their ability to adapt.

"Looking at it positively, the cuts have encouraged the public sector to look at ways of modernising their training techniques. More public sector teams are starting to use e-learning and live online learning tools to deliver training. They're also placing greater emphasis on demonstrating their value to the organisation and raising their internal profile. With these changes, public sector training teams are beginning to lead the way in the adoption of new learning technologies and setting an example for the industry."

Further results from the Learning Survey appear to support Steed's take on the sector's adoption of online learning. With the public sector set to increase its use of both custom and generic e-learning this year.

For further information about the IITT visit: www.thetrainingprofessional.com. To find out how to get a full copy of the Learning Year Survey e-mail: learning@iitt.org.uk.

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Notes to Editors:

The IITT is a self-governing, not-for-profit professional body for training professionals. It was established in 1995 and since then has grown on an annual basis. In February 2010 the Institute completed a management buyout from membership and research organisation, the National Computing Centre and is now a self-governing body.

Today, the organisation has circa 3,500 individual members and 400 accredited corporate members.

Through a range of membership, certification, accreditation, events and bespoke consultancy services, the Institute focuses on enhancing and recognising the skills and professional status of individuals and organisations engaged in training activities, and assessing the quality of training services.

NB: This news release is issued in accordance with Clause 1.2j of the British Codes of Advertising and Sales Promotion and therefore cannot be subject to a transaction of any kind.