BHSF carries on training: It makes more sense than ever in a recession, says director

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the emphasis placed on training at UK not‐for‐profit health‐insurance company BHSF.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the views of the firm's HR and quality‐management director.

Findings

This paper advances the view that upgrading transferable skills and gaining nationally recognized qualifications makes more sense than ever because, when businesses start to come out of the economic downturn, they will need to have retained and improved their skills base.

Practical implications

The paper argues that National Vocational Qualifications, apprenticeships, partnerships with schools, colleges and universities and graduate recruitment are key to improving productivity and competitiveness for all sizes of business.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that employees who take advantage of training opportunities are likely to be more motivated, committed to their employer, and capable of making a greater contribution to the business.

Citation

(2009), "BHSF carries on training: It makes more sense than ever in a recession, says director", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 22-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730910963280