Birmingham Community College's wide portfolio of courses and services includes the Business Learning Net. This is an innovative project which is specifically designed to increase access to new technology and training for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and their employees throughout the whole of the West Midlands region. Central to this project is the identification, evaluation and deployment of quality online training materials which are fully suited to the employee as well as the business objectives of the small to medium enterprise, for all levels of employment. Birmingham Community College recognises that training is an essential tool businesses need to provide employees with the relevant skills required for today's competitive environment. However one of the biggest barriers to effective training, particularly for smaller businesses, is the access to training, not to mention all the associated costs incurred. The Business Learning Net will enable small to medium enterprises to overcome such barriers with the provision of: Online training materials and learning support direct to the desktop via the Internet. A variety of learning materials including basic skills, IT, business and management, automotive and retail courses covering many business sectors. Learning materials delivered in bite-size chunks, enabling the learner to complete modules at a time convenient for them. Networking opportunities to allow businesses in the region to exchange information and good practice IT consultancy including web site design delivered through project partners Through the provision, Business Learning Net will: Increase the competitiveness of SMEs in the region by allowing a tighter fit of training to the business need and objectives. Increase the speed at which SMEs can respond to opportunities by increasing access to electronic communications. Help to make the business case for ICT by broadcasting concrete examples of successful use of ICT, and the benefits of electronics and communications. Increase access to training by traditionally exclude groups such as shift workers, and those employed on "zero hour" contracts. One of the many clients of the project, Mary Chapman, has found that the training is an excellent resource for self-development. Ms Chapman says: "The modules are good in that they are in the form of interactive, self assessment exercises, tools and techniques." She explains further: "All the information is user friendly and the pace is dictated by the learner." Alfred Allen Furnishers is proud to be the first client to launch a website, which has proven to be very efficient and cost effective. This has now given the company a global presence. It has also given the company the wherewithall to compete on a level playing field among its much larger competitors. | 
