E-learning adds up for BAe finance staff

BAe Systems has opted for a targeted blend of e-learning and real-world workshops to train more than 500 finance staff.

The company has signed up blended learning specialist Epic Group to design, develop and deliver a programme to teach staff in its Customer Solutions & Support (CS&S) division about the financial management of contracts.

The blended programme comprises online course modules, tutorials and tests, followed by a two-day masterclass giving staff the opportunity to gain practical project experience applying what they have learned.

James Henslowe, category manager for learning and development at BAe Systems, told vnunet.com: "The e-learning element will cover all the internal practices and processes used to manage contracts, and the subsequent workshops will give staff real-world team working and project skills."

In a statement Donald Clark, Epic Group chief executive, said: "We have been refining our approach to blended learning for some time. This vindicates our belief in applying an optimal blend rather than the traditional two-dimensional approach, and BAe Systems enthusiastically shares our vision."

The programme will go live later in the summer. If successful, BAe anticipates blended learning will be adopted by other parts of the company.

"We are hopeful the programme will deliver the desired results and therefore provide a model for future requirements," said Nigel Billingham, financial director of BAE Systems CS&S, in a statement.