Archive for February, 2008

The gap in skills for e-business categories such as e-marketing and e-commerce threatens to hinder the growth of the on-line trading sector. Addressing such a gap in skills has become a government concern (or electoral spin, who can tell the difference these days) for a while now. The government wants to win the global skills race at the expense of the tax payer and businesses by using more vocational qualifications used with on the job training and Apprenticeships.

As I took a career U turn from chemistry to e-commerce and development, I know how hard it can be to obtain the skills and knowledge required to set a career path in this vast area of business. I have come by my skills over the last 8 years though determined self improvement and a need to run my on-line retail business more effectively. All my skills are based on experience, but even with a proven track record of clients and achievements, without a ‘computing degree’ I find it difficult to carve my way in the industry. I have been lucky to be recognised externally for my talents by open minded employers. I continue to drive my development personally (now undertaking an Open University course), but if I was just 18 (oh to be young again) how on earth would I break into the industry without a getting a relevant degree?

There seems to be a lack of vocational qualifications for the e-business category (if you check out the edexcel website there IS an e-business BTEC, but it is a classroom based qualification) which would provide fresh new talent for the sector.

E-based companies need transferable qualifications and externally recognised training to offer their employees . External recognition for training provides a willing and loyal workforce, it might help with the retention of employees which seems to span to about 18 months according to Internet Retailer.

Can the answer be in Apprenticeships or Diplomas provided with the aid of specialist training providers? The bureaucracy might get in the way though. If you want funding from the government for any kind of training or education you might end up having to hire someone to handle the paperwork and the proposals (you have to have a three year training and business plan every year for example) for just a few Apprenticeships or NVQ’s. As businesses in the e-commerce sector tend to be small (under 50 employees) it might prove just too difficult and ultimately risky for a large proportion of businesses.

Train to gain within the Learning and Skills Council is the best option for smaller businesses, even though vast improvements with respect to flexible ‘funding pay outs’ will be needed to make sure taking on Apprentices or vocational training is a worthwhile investment rather than a drain on finances.

Businesses need to invest in their workforce, but also be able to pay the wage bill.