p8 National Skills:SGBGolf_NEW_template 26/02/2009 12:47 Page 8
SGB Outdoor
Small businesses in the
economic downturn
Could the National Skills Academy help you? The NSA explains
how they can help small businesses in the economic downturn
T
he current economic climate presents a real challenge to sector. All training, qualifications and careers are employer-led and employer-
businesses and many outdoor employers are coming under directed, ensuring better quality, more targeted training and better access to
increasing pressure to keep a tight rein on their budgets. As funds for training. Growing all the time, it will continue to develop relevant
companies face tougher choices to ensure they remain profitable, and cost effective programmes to help businesses survive the downturn.
training budget cuts are being considered, especially if the return on One of the biggest challenges the outdoor sector faces is recruitment and
investment is not immediately apparent. the Skills Academy can help employers to get
The good news is that outdoor employers of all
"Many small businesses are
recruits with the right skills and at the same time
sizes could actually benefit from the doom and cut recruitment costs. Many small businesses are
gloom the rest of the country is currently seeing.
unaware that rather than
unaware that rather than recruit one person, they
Research from the OIA (Outdoor Industries
recruit one person, they
could have two or three apprentices for the same
Association) revealed that 49 per cent of adults cost, with the added benefit of training and
surveyed said the credit crunch has made them
could have two or three
moulding them with their specific company
more inclined to go on an outdoor-based break values and ethos.
in Britain rather then heading abroad.
apprentices for the same
The National Skills Academy, from its University
This further supports the importance of
cost"
of Cumbria base, will act as a central point of
investing in staff training. It will be the employees information for employers and training providers.
who play a significant role in providing new and
existing visitors with an enjoyable experience and therefore encouraging them MEMBERSHIP
to return even when the economy improves. Membership at the National Skills Academy gives employers access to
quality assured training and information from a single point of contact at a
INVESTING NOW lower cost and based on their needs. Benefits include the Online Academy,
Florence Orban, interim CEO of the National Skills Academy for Sport and Resource Centre and the activepassport. It will also give outdoor employers
Active Leisure, says: “Cutting budgets is a prime example of a false economy. the recognition that they
It is essential companies do not compromise staff training budgets in an are contributing to the
attempt to make short-term savings. Having the right staff, with the skills development of the
needed to do their jobs, is crucial to the success of any company.” sector's skills needs on a
According to the national audit office, skills gaps due to a lack of training national, regional and
can cost a 50-employee business up to £165,000 each year. As financial local level.
constraints become more pressing it is important to ensure that staff gain the The Online Academy
specialist skills they need to be efficient and productive in their jobs. offers a wide range of
Outdoor employers should be business and
investing in the skills and talents of development relevant
their staff. The need for training is courses that are delivered
constantly being reiterated both online and offline.
throughout the country by some of The Resource centre
the UK’s most senior businessmen, includes exclusive use of the member area within the Online Academy that
politicians, and union leaders. offers general training, HR and business information to help your business
grow and prosper.
BEST PLACE FOR SKILLS TRAINING activepassport is the skills passport for the active leisure and learning sector.
So while slashing investment in It is a unique, web-based facility for recording verified qualifications, training,
staff training can seem like an employment and volunteering. Employees get a transferable record of
obvious and quick way of trimming achievements, which gives them mobility within the outdoor sector and
costs, employers should actually others.
take advantage of the training The National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure is a unique
opportunities on offer. The opportunity; it will ensure that anyone involved in the sector is better placed to
National Skills Academy for Sport undertake their role or job and to progress to whatever level they have the
and Active Leisure is the answer. aspiration and ability to achieve.
Launched last November, it
provides one single and coherent For more information on the National Skills Academy for Sport and Active
approach to skills training in the Leisure, visit www.sportactivensa.co.uk
8 SGB OUTDOOR FEBRUARY 2009
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