Business success depends on a well-trained workforce. It makes sense that a motivated, engaged staff will ultimately result in improved profitability.
I contend that most businesses should implement employee training periodically, and some industries should make an effort to secure continuous training and development for their teams. It makes sense that various tech-related roles, such as engineers, IT professionals or developers, must stay on top of emerging trends and ongoing technological developments. Their roles depend on maintaining a mastery of emerging tech trends and putting these concepts into practical use for the benefit of their organizations. Tech businesses carefully monitor developments and constantly strain their workforces in adapting to meet new marketplace demands. What is the best use of resources in this pursuit? I suggest smart, flexible corporate training.
There is an ecosystem of commercial education and training vendors, such as Cloud Academy, who offers consumer and enterprise programs on a variety of technology and cloud-related topics at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
A deeper insight into the matter made me realize that development experts and human resources professionals increasingly rely on cloud-based platforms for managing training because workers typically embrace the convenience with enthusiasm. Companies of all sizes finally have access to affordable digital employee training that delivers outstanding results. The flexibility of modern systems allows employers to schedule training in ways that don’t disrupt core workflows. Learners consume content on standard and mobile devices when their schedules permit. I believe this to be a game-changer.
Importance of Training and Development
Traditionally there has been a misconception that training costs detract from profitability. Some managers put employees to work with minimal training and are puzzled when workers appear indifferent about their jobs.
I contend that failure to invest resources training people sets the stage for dead-end careers, unproductive workers, and customer dissatisfaction. From a financial perspective, employers have a genuine interest in developing human capital. When employees succeed, they enjoy a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Satisfied workers welcome professional engagement and their success breeds a culture of success.
It’s safe to say that providing meaningful career support empowers employees and offers them a positive vision for the future and a greater purpose in life.
Training and Development Requirements
Businesses in different industries require different levels of training. Most organizations should spend time determining their training/development requirements. In some settings, the process should begin with a formal analysis of workflows and job designs. A thorough review should provide enough data identifying the key training objectives that will improve job performance and satisfaction at all levels. Training plans should include a long-range view that anticipates which skills employees will need in future roles as they advance.
After identifying training requirements and objectives, companies can more accurately gather data to estimate their potential investment costs. It’s only natural that businesses will search for the most efficient ways of developing and delivering training materials to their workers. The solutions may be external, internal or, more typically, a hybrid model. Thanks to technology-based training options, businesses have a near-unlimited selection of great offerings, from simple clerical training to extremely specific technical topics such as a Solutions Architect Professional Level Certification for AWS course.
After considering organizational needs and the options available to fulfill them, companies can decide on the solution that works best for them. Available Cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) programs conform to the requirements of almost any business.
Below I offer an overview of some LMS programs that I’ve found work well for corporate training.
Cloud-Based LMS Explained
Web-based LMS platforms make administering and using employee training programs possible from almost anywhere in the world. These Cloud-based systems enable you to easily deliver content, record activity, track/report performance. Learning occurs entirely online, where the data is secured by providers.
Cloud-based solutions offer more convenience than traditional LMS applications that required the use of company servers, IT staff, and hands-on maintenance. Cloud-based LMS products require no installation because everyone involved accesses them through web browsers. The time and money saved by using the Cloud for LMS can go toward the training courses.
Cloud LMS products work on a pay-as-you-go pricing model that enables companies to pay only for the resources they use. System is typically included with the base price. Gone is the fear of system updates or configuration changes. Program plans and subscriptions can scale dynamically based on demand. You can expand or shrink training and development projects based on your business needs.
Trainers accessing Cloud-based LMS products have an efficient process for creating and delivering content based on their particular needs. After importing course content in the Cloud, trainers can assign learners to the various classes and run reports on training activities on individual employees and their organization. LMS administrators can modify or improve courses to continually improve the effectiveness of their training program based on the real-time feedback.
Learners have the ability to access training materials wherever and whenever they want as long as they have an internet conncetion. Thanks to smartphones and tablets, training via cloud-based LMS is easy to schedule and complete.
Top Cloud-Based LMS Programs
1. Docebo – A modular LMS that includes and advanced test engine, robust reporting, and performance tracking.
2. TalentLMS – This enterprise-friendly solution lets trainers assemble e-learning courses in minutes and customize them with a look and feel consistent with other corporate online assets.
3. Litmos – Multi-language and localization support, as well as custom branding, make Litmos an appealing LMS. The product allows the development of premium course content for customers and internal content for employees.
4. Firmwater LMS – Designed primarily for training companies, this robust platform can work for any business that will commit to online learning.
5. CourseMill – This LMS also has a traditional software-based counterpart, giving companies many choices for deploying e-learning. It also comes with a compliance interface that ends employee confusion over their responsibilities for completing a course.
Most LMS products offer free trial periods, so companies may evaluate them before purchase.
Mastering Cloud Computing
The growing omnipresence and utilization of Cloud Computing technology increases the demand for cloud-savvy IT professionals. By providing cloud integration, LMS helps businesses automate their training processes while synchronizing the data between the LMS and other platforms. Businesses can leverage various online learning platforms, such as Cloud Academy, aimed at developing their staff’s Cloud Computing skills, by integrating such platforms with the LMS of their choice to provide their staff with specific, high-quality learning materials that ensure skill building.
I encourage you to review some learning paths, courses, labs, and quizzes designed and built by working professionals around cloud topics. These programs lead to greater professional growth in critical areas. Users may follow a path to certification or simply for greater subject mastery and job mobility.
Conclusion
Businesses should always consider the training needs of their human capital. My own experience has taught me that well-trained people produce more and have a greater sense of satisfaction with their jobs. When people have the opportunity to learn and develop at both professional and personal levels, they can look forward to new opportunities for advancement and achievement with their current employers. Owners and managers develop a stable, professional organization that satisfies customers and generate profits.
Choosing Cloud-based LMS solutions reduces the implementation costs of training programs while making corporate training easier to administer. People have the advantage of completing their training courses at times and places convenient to them. Businesses have many LMS options from which to choose. With some research you will find a solution that best serves the needs of your organization.
I include some Success stories from Cloud Academy users that offer insight into the process and results of online corporate training.