Guide to help SMEs sharpen up training practices

A training and skills handbook has been published by the Commission to help SME staff and managers develop the qualifications of their workforce.

Training and skills development are vital ingredients for successful, dynamic enterprises, especially if they want to remain competitive in a globalised economy.

However, statistics show that employees in SMEs are less likely to receive training than those who work for larger companies. Small businesses often cite a lack of resources and knowledge as a factor that can hamper the development of personnel.

The Commission’s Guide for Training in SMEs aims to tackle such issues by showing how these businesses can effectively address their training and skills needs. The guide is based on good practice examples of effective training delivery in SMEs from across Europe. It is aimed at the key actors involved in training, including company owners, managers, training providers, employee representatives and trades unions.

The guide examines a range of challenges which SMEs face when it comes to securing training and skills for staff, including: overcoming institutional barriers; unlocking financial support for training activities; and developing effective human resources policies.

In addition, the guide explores training methods based on meeting the specific needs of micro- and small enterprises as well as training and competence development for managerial staff and entrepreneurs.

European Commission: DG Enterprise and Industry: Publications http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/publications/index_en.htm

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