Managed Learning/Training Service
A Managed Learning Service (or Managed Training Service) is when an outside company provides a service to manage some or all aspects of organisational learning. The functions that a Managed Training Service provider may offer include the following:
- Sourcing external training
- L&D Administration
- Supplier management
- Reducing costs
- Learning needs analysis
- Management Information
Sourcing external training
This is the most basic service offered by a Managed Learning Services provider. You tell the provider your requirements and the solution you want. The provider will use their experience and procurement knowledge to source the solution that is the best value for money for you, providing excellent training at a good price. A good Managed Training Services provider will provide several options and you can choose the one that is right for your company. A great Managed Learning Services Provider will be more proactive and undertake a quick learning needs analysis to get to the heart of the issue.
L&D administration
This is the biggest reason most companies choose to work with a Managed Learning Services provider. It achieves outsourcing all the time-consuming administrative duties such as booking forms, supplier contact, updating databases and organising dates. This enables the L&D team to focus on key value-adding tasks such as strategy, engaging with senior management and working with employees. It enables them to be proactive, not reactive.
Supplier management
One of the most complex and time-consuming aspects of sourcing training is choosing and maintaining the best suppliers for the job. There are over 12,000 training providers in the UK today. Finding the best ones for your organisation, if you have little experience of that market, is a long and complicated process.
The Managed Training Services provider will have extensive experience with the top trainers and providers. They will know those who deliver the best quality, with the best satisfaction and pass rates. They will know those who are reliable and easy to work with. They make finding the best providers for your organisation quick and easy.
If you are already using a number of different suppliers then the Managed Training Services provider can undertake a supplier review, to optimise the number of suppliers and so reduce your administration overheads.
Reducing costs
Managed Training Services providers can negotiate discounts from training providers due to their bulk buying power, passing these savings on to their clients. Additionally, training providers often have reseller agreements, similar to internal sales commissions, that offer substantial discounts to Managed Learning Services companies.
Additionally, improved processes and efficiencies will result in a reduction in your overall cost of learning.
Learning needs analysis
The provider conducts a thorough analysis of your organisation’s operations, and the employee skill sets, to identify the areas where training will most enhance business performance. The analysis is from with you, or on your behalf. Employees are asked about their individual training needs, and these are assessed to ensure alignment with company objectives.
This process is the essential first step in developing a Learning and Development (L&D) strategy that proactively manages employee development to support key business priorities. It establishes the role of L&D as an investment rather than a cost.
This advanced service is not available from all Managed Training Services providers: we do offer it.
Management information
Management information delivers the metrics needed to measure the success of the learning strategy. It enables you to monitor progress, demonstrate effectiveness, and enhance the return on investment.
How Managed Training Services can work for you
If you would like to find out more about how our Managed Learning Service helps L&D to add more value please click here, contact us on 0845 519 7408 or email us.
You may also be interested in our similar guides about choosing the right managed learning service provider and how best to implement them.
