SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 24, 2014 – Global online skills assessment company Mettl today announced the launch of its new online certification platform, providing a secure, flexible platform that enables companies to efficiently deliver online IT and other certification programs to candidates around the world.
Designed to meet the growing demand for professional certifications across a wide range of industry verticals, Mettl’s new online platform dramatically reduces the cost and time commitment of conducting certification exams compared to on-site manual proctoring. At the same time, it overcomes geographic hurdles to greatly expand program access to more candidates, making secure, proctored exams available anywhere, anytime.
“We’re seeing a huge boom in the training and certification industry as a direct result of the surge in demand for highly skilled IT professionals,” said Ketan Kapoor, CEO and co-founder of Mettl. “This platform allows companies to securely certify more candidates, more efficiently, no matter where they’re located, to meet that growing demand, with both conventional Q&A and simulation-driven skills-based assessment.”
The Mettl certification platform offers a streamlined, highly scalable system to address every aspect of the certification process, including:
built-in invitation, registration and payment processing;
flexible test authoring—create custom questions in a variety of formats, including multimedia integration, or choose from hundreds of questions in the Mettl Question Bank;
advanced, applied-knowledge assessment to test practical skills with simulation-based questions in coding, managerial skills and more.
reliable security and identity validation with live webcam proctoring, access controls, and copy/paste and test window behavior restrictions to prevent candidates from cheating or navigating away from the test window;
360-degree customization with full white label capability;
real-time test results with in-depth reporting and analysis
auto-generated certificate upon successful completion; and
third-party verification of certificates
For candidates and their employers, the Mettl certification platform provides the most efficient way to access and complete industry-standard certification programs at the lowest possible cost. With the ability to participate from virtually anywhere at any time, Mettl’s platform eliminates time away from the office and travel expenses, making certification more accessible and affordable for individuals and even the smallest companies.
About Mettl
Mettl is an online assessment, testing and certification platform to measure, analyze and improve both, technical and “people” skills, allowing companies and candidates to access the training and assessment they need without the expense and hassle of on-site, manual administration. Mettl’s highly valid, secure, customizable and cost-effective platform measures both “hard” knowledge and applied skills, as well as “soft” skills like personality, motivation and behavioral tendencies. More than 250 leading global companies in the IT, ITES, telecom and banking industries already trust Mettl, including Cognizant, Wipro, Capegimini, HCL, Accenture, Ericsson, Sears, Marico, Wiley, Monster, PwC, Makemytrip, Cleartrip and Inmobi. Founded in 2010 by Ketan Kapoor and Tonmoy Singhal, the company has been recognized by the New York Times and earned the TiE50 2013 Award as one of the top 50 startups in the world. Mettl is funded primarily by Kalaari Capital and Blume Ventures. For more information, visit www.mettl.com.
Mettl Launches New Online Certification Platform
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Global Knowledge Accelerates IBM's Cloud Transformation
Wokingham, U.K., July 25, 2014 — Global Knowledge, the world's leading IT and business skills training provider, announced the worldwide delivery of learning services to help business partners build skills for SoftLayer, an IBM Company, as part of an ongoing education initiative — allowing them to maximize cloud services opportunities with their customers.
IBM is expanding its industry-leading support for SoftLayer and IBM Business Partners to help them capture the growing cloud market opportunity with significant, focused investments in accelerated partner education. As the global provider of IBM SoftLayer partner enablement training, Global Knowledge is delivering learning services to facilitate rapid skills acquisition and development in order for IBM Business Partners to maximize their opportunity with SoftLayer cloud solutions.
Cloud computing is transforming the way that IT services are consumed and delivered and, according to a recent Gartner study, will account for the bulk of new IT spending by 2016. For Business Partners specializing in streamlining integration and delivering value-added solutions, cloud presents an unprecedented opportunity to capture new revenue and enter new markets at exponentially faster rates, with vastly lower capital expenditure requirements.
"Our business partners see technical training as the number one need, so investment in a world-class education program is a high priority for us," said Ed Bottini, Director of Global SoftLayer and Cloud Services BP Sales, IBM Global Technology Services. "Global Knowledge has enabled us to expand our global reach to more cities than ever before and offer an on-site training option. Through this program our partners are gaining the skills they need to build and deliver differentiated cloud solutions to their clients."
The free two-day course Global Knowledge introduces SoftLayer Fundamentals through lectures and hands-on activities. Training sessions are being offered in more than 20 locations around the world, including markets where IBM is expanding its global network of cloud hubs and in several other key markets like North America, Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Europe.
"We are thrilled that IBM chose us to enable this segment of its industry-leading partner program and to deliver SoftLayer training to IBM Business Partners around the world," said Michael Fox, SVP, Enterprise Solutions for Global Knowledge. "Offering learning services on an exclusive worldwide basis truly speaks to the trust that IBM has placed in us. They trust us to skill up and onboard one of their most valuable assets - the business partners that sell SoftLayer solutions. IBM is committed to their partners' success, investing in best-of-breed professional training to enable them to truly realize the benefits of the significant cloud solutions opportunity.
Global Knowledge is an IBM Global Training Provider, was recognized with the IBM Choice Award for Global Training Provider of the Year, and has been selected as the sole provider of worldwide partner enablement and learning services for IBM SoftLayer cloud solutions.
About Global Knowledge UK
Global Knowledge provides IT and business skills learning to both public and private sector companies and organizations across the UK. Its core training is focused on Cisco, IBM, Microsoft, VMware, Juniper and best practice. This includes ITIL® Service Management and PRINCE2® which is tied into business process improvement, project management, business analysis and leadership development. Flexible and tailored learning programs incorporate e-learning, instructor-led, mentored and collaborative learning at training centers, on site and via the internet, enabling customers to choose when, where and how they want to receive training programs and learning services.
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Sales Training Thought Leader Barrett Riddleberger Selected as a Weekly Contributor to Inc.com
GREENSBORO, NC, July 22, 2014 — Barrett Riddleberger, CEO and founder of xPotential Selling Inc., has been selected as a contributor to Inc.com, the online home of Inc. magazine. Riddleberger now writes a weekly column titled “The Sales Exponent,” to provide effective and industry-proven advice to businesspeople concerned with sales hiring, training, and performance.
“In the world of content marketing,” says Riddleberger, “we embrace the concept that prospective clients want to learn about us through our writing, before engaging our services. And in my new role as a columnist, I enjoy communicating my experiences about professional selling, personal development, and business growth.”
Riddleberger has written about it for years. He is author of "Blueprint of a Sales Champion: How to Recruit, Refine, and Retain Top Sales Performers," and he contributes regularly to his company's “Insights” blog. He is also prolific in authoring white papers and eBooks to help sales leaders improve their selling success.
For Riddleberger, Inc.com could not be a better fit.
"Inc.com's five million visitors per month tend to be visionary business leaders—whether or not they’re directly involved in sales—who are focused on finding the best ways to start, improve, and grow their businesses,” says Riddleberger. “The website’s reader demographics couldn’t be a better match for our content.”
As with many traditional business publications, Inc. magazine has invested significantly in meeting the online demands of its readers. The strategy relies partly on contributors from the business world, and the publication provides a user-friendly interface for authors whose content is ranked by reader shares on social media.
About Barrett Riddleberger
Barrett Riddleberger, the founder and CEO of xPotential Selling Inc., is a nationally recognized expert on professional selling, analyzing sales performance issues of medium to large organizations and assessing sales capacities in individuals. His firm’s advice has been successfully used by hundreds of businesses, including Cornell University's online campus, eCornell, Coldwell Banker, Time Warner Cable Business Class, and The Babcock and Wilcox Company. For more information, please visit www.xpotentialselling.com.
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The U.S. Army GM and Raytheon partner on advanced training initiative for transitioning Soldiers
'Shifting Gears' equips transitioning soldiers with skills to become GM automotive technicians
WASHINGTON (July 29, 2014) --The U.S. Army, General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), today announced they are teaming up to provide eligible transitioning Army soldiers with skills to become service technicians at GM dealerships after they return to civilian life.The Shifting Gears: Automotive Technician Training Program, a multi-year partnership between the two companies and the Army, will begin in August at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.The initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to helping veterans succeed by connecting them with education and career opportunities outside of the military service. Shifting Gears will be part of the Army's Soldier for Life support program, which helps soldiers reintegrate into their communities after leaving the Army. Raytheon and GM are committed to providing Army men and women participating in the Shifting Gears program exceptional training to aid them in post service career endeavors. The program consists of a 12-week customized, on-base technician training curriculum that includes classroom, online and hands-on technical training. Upon successful course completion and program graduation, veterans receive career counseling, job-placement recommendations and employment assistance from Army Soldier for Life centers, and access to available GM technician employment opportunities through GM's authorized dealer network."Soldiers transitioning to civilian life bring exceptional training, values and experience to American communities and their civilian workforce," said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Howard Bromberg, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. "Properly supporting our veterans requires a team approach from the Army, other government agencies and the local community."GM's dealer network needs approximately 2,500 new technicians annually and qualified technicians are often in short supply. This initiative develops well-trained technicians who will help GM and local dealer communities, while also helping transitioning military personnel. In addition to Shifting Gears, GM provides eligible veterans free access to Web-based training through GM's Service Technical College."Shifting Gears illustrates GM's commitment to serving those who serve America," said Steve Hill, GM vice president, U.S. Sales and Service. "GM has supported the U.S. military for 100 years. From providing purpose-built vehicles in conflict situations to today's support for veterans and returning military personnel, we continue to be their strong allies." The training will be conducted by Raytheon Professional Services (RPS), which is one of the world's largest training companies. RPS currently develops and delivers training solutions for GM technicians worldwide and was integral in establishing the GM Service Technical College, an in-house resource which provides comprehensive training to GM personnel. "Young Army veterans face unemployment rates that are more than double the national average. Raytheon sees this partnership with GM and the Army as an opportunity to reduce those alarming statistics by helping position former service members for new opportunities," said Lynn Dugle, President of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services. "We look forward to helping train veterans through the Shifting Gears program, and continuing the work we do with the Army including our role in training almost every active service soldier."About the U.S. ArmyFor more information contact the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army at (703) 697-7550. Or to learn more about the U.S. Army visit them online at http://www.army.mil/About GM With thousands of military veteran employees, General Motors' support for the United States armed forces spans generations. Today, Chevrolet assists Cell Phones for Soldiers, Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, a variety of employment and grassroots initiatives, and is the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy game. The GM Military Discount program offers discounts on most Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles for active duty, reserves, retirees, veterans (within one year of separation) and spouses of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard. GM proudly participates in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes initiative aimed at finding meaningful employment for veterans transitioning to civilian life.About RaytheonRaytheon Company, with 2013 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 92 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.
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Pearson Announces Upcoming Release of EQUELLA 6.3 Digital Repository
Melbourne, Australia, July 31, 2014 — Pearson today announced the upcoming release of EQUELLA 6.3, the latest version of its award winning digital repository. EQUELLA 6.3 will be showcased at NAVIGATE 2014, the fifth International EQUELLA User Conference, in Melbourne from September 4 - 5, with the official release due soon after the event.
EQUELLA 6.3 will extend the user experience with cloud service integration support, embedded metadata extraction, gallery view, integration screen enhancements, additional REST services and Canvas® LMS integration.
EQUELLA enables educators and students within a wide range of schools, universities, colleges, TAFEs, departments of education, corporations and RTOs around the world to effectively discover, manage and deliver engaging course content to improve learning outcomes. Extending EQUELLA, the upcoming release introduces new capabilities for cloud services that enable the storage of
Open Educational Resources (OER) content on the cloud, with the ability for locally installed EQUELLA instances to search and consume OER content within integrated LMSes.
Users will be able to search for OER cloud content from the integration screen, locate the most relevant content for their learners, and publish this into their course, the same way they would contribute standard EQUELLA content.
EQUELLA 6.3’s gallery view presents users with the opportunity to build a media gallery that displays search results with image attachments in a graphical, grid display. The new functionality for embedded metadata supports standards that provide information often embedded in photographs, such as the time taken, location, aperture used and other details.
This feature allows users to import and display this metadata as well as custom tagging in image files from cameras and phones.
Simon Wilkinson, EQUELLA Director of Product Management, Pearson said: “EQUELLA 6.3 will enable content to be delivered ubiquitously and at scale, meeting the diverse requirements of our growing global EQUELLA community. “A key aim of our latest release is to provide a complete solution for clients requiring a stable, scalable cloud-based content solution alongside a rich configurable content system, locally installed.”
Other key feature enhancements include:
New integration with emerging Canvas® LMS responds to the need for clients to access a unified, validated and supported integration. Built to seamlessly utilize the EQUELLA integration experience, this solution makes use of LTI as the key technical bridge in the integration
Increasing the usability of the EQUELLA integration screens with a new, more intuitive resource selection user interface and the addition of Save and Share Search functionality. Delivering seamless LMS integrations supports the efficient development of course content for learner consumption with tools users require during the full integration experience
The expansion of the available REST services that EQUELLA supports. These services include service parity (SOAP – REST) and will provide a migration path for institutions utilizing SOAP specifications, copyright/activations, user experience and cloud
Requested changes to the CAL module, including the option to set the Part VB percentage, override functionality at the time of activation, improvements to the Course search on the Activation page, activation information stored in the item's xml, rollover enhancements as well as other improvements
In support of the ongoing commitment to the requirements of the EQUELLA user community, EQUELLA 6.3 also includes these additional feature requests: Ability to reorder attachments on the Resource summary page and a new function whereby specific attachments can be marked as 'restricted' and only suitably privileged users can view those attachments.
For more information about EQUELLA®, visit www.equella.com.
About Pearson
1. Pearson is the world’s leading learning company. Our education business combines 150 years of experience in publishing with the latest learning technology and online support. We provide education and assessment services in more than 70 countries. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose.
2. EQUELLA has more than 150 global entities as users, including a collection of state or province deployments within the US: Florida, North Carolina, Utah, Kentucky; Canada: British Columbia; Australia: New South Wales, Tasmania, and Queensland; and also across Northern Ireland and Turkey.
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Raytheon Partners with Army, GM for Advanced Training Initiative
WASHINGTON, D.C., (July 29, 2014) - The U.S. Army, General Motors and Raytheon Company, announced they are teaming up to provide eligible transitioning Army soldiers with skills to become service technicians at GM dealerships after they return to civilian life.
The Shifting Gears: Automotive Technician Training Program, a multi-year partnership between the two companies and the Army, begins in August at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.The initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to helping veterans succeed by connecting them with education and career opportunities outside of the military service. Shifting Gears will be part of the Army's Soldier for Life support program, which helps soldiers reintegrate into their communities after leaving the Army. Raytheon and GM are committed to providing Army men and women participating in the Shifting Gears program exceptional training to aid them in post service career endeavors. The program consists of a 12-week customized, on-base technician training curriculum that includes classroom, online and hands-on technical training. Upon successful course completion and program graduation, veterans receive career counseling, job-placement recommendations and employment assistance from Army Soldier for Life centers, and access to available GM technician employment opportunities through GM's authorized dealer network."Soldiers transitioning to civilian life bring exceptional training, values and experience to American communities and their civilian workforce," said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Howard Bromberg, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. "Properly supporting our veterans requires a team approach from the Army, other government agencies and the local community."GM's dealer network needs approximately 2,500 new technicians annually and qualified technicians are often in short supply. This initiative develops well-trained technicians who will help GM and local dealer communities, while also helping transitioning military personnel. In addition to Shifting Gears, GM provides eligible veterans free access to Web-based training through GM's Service Technical College."Shifting Gears illustrates GM's commitment to serving those who serve America," said Steve Hill, GM vice president, U.S. Sales and Service. "GM has supported the U.S. military for 100 years. From providing purpose-built vehicles in conflict situations to today's support for veterans and returning military personnel, we continue to be their strong allies." The training will be conducted by Raytheon Professional Services (RPS), which is one of the world's largest training companies. RPS currently develops and delivers training solutions for GM technicians worldwide and was integral in establishing the GM Service Technical College, an in-house resource which provides comprehensive training to GM personnel. "Young army veterans face unemployment rates that are more than double the national average. Raytheon sees this partnership with GM and the Army as an opportunity to reduce those alarming statistics by helping position former service members for new opportunities," said Lynn Dugle, President of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services. "We look forward to helping train veterans through the Shifting Gears program, and continuing the work we do with the Army including our role in training almost every active service soldier at finding meaningful employment for veterans transitioning to civilian life."About RaytheonRaytheon Company, with 2013 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 92 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass.
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GP Strategies Awarded Contracts with Two Leading Power-Generating Companies
COLUMBIA, Md., Aug. 5, 2014 — Global performance improvement solutions provider GP Strategies Corporation has recently been awarded contracts to provide power plant operations training and consulting services to AES US Services , a subsidiary of The AES Corporation, and Covanta to support their training and qualification programs.
These contracts license GP Strategies' GPiLEARN™ web-based training portal to thousands of employees in North America, further bolstering GPiLEARN's reputation as the premier web-based learning portal for power-generating companies across the globe.
The AES US Services award is a multi-year, fleet-wide implementation that provides access to 1,600 courses developed for power plant engineers, technicians, operators and other skilled workers.
“We've partnered with GP Strategies for many years and believe their courseware and training regimen is a great fit to help our employees expand their industry knowledge and critical skills necessary to operate our plants in a safe and efficient manner,” said AES US Services Director, Workforce Development, Gary Tindall.
The Covanta agreement includes use of the GPiLEARN learning management system to enhance training offerings across their US and Canadian fleets, as well as provide critical content updates to existing training materials.
With the addition of these agreements, GPiLEARN now provides power plant training and employee development to over 35,000 users.
“We are pleased that AES US Services and Covanta have entrusted us to support their training programs. We are committed to providing world-class workforce performance improvement services to our customers, who now include over 250 power generation and industrial clients in 39 countries ,” said Bill Green, Vice President, Energy Services for GP Strategies.
GP Strategies' Energy Services Group provides engineering services, performance and condition monitoring products and training services to the energy market sector. Their EtaPRO™ Performance and Condition Monitoring System and GPiLEARN Training Portal help power plants worldwide meet their goals for improving reliability, capacity and efficiency.
About GP Strategies
GP Strategies is a global performance improvement solutions provider of training, eLearning solutions, management consulting and engineering services. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, manufacturing, process and energy industries, and other commercial and government customers.
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Pearson to Issue Badges for Adobe Certified Associate Certification Program
BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Aug. 11, 2014 -- Pearson, the world's leading learning company, is issuing badges for the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certification program via its badge platform, Acclaim. Badges will now be available to candidates who earn ACA certification for the Adobe Creative Cloud or Creative Suite 6.
Acclaim's approach to applying the Mozilla Foundation's open badge standard is to partner with academic institutions and high-stakes credentialing organizations such as Adobe to represent as badges learning outcomes and professional skills sought after by employers. ACA badge-earners have complete control to display them wherever they choose – on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, a blog or website – to prove their proficiency.
"ACA candidates excel in the digital media world and appreciate having proof of their skills in a format that can be managed and shared online," said Melissa Jones, world wide education program manager for Adobe. "By representing the ACA certification as a badge through Acclaim, we empower our students to take credit for and manage their achievements digitally."
"Adobe and Pearson are demonstrating industry leadership by embracing badges for Adobe's AcCA candidates," said Clarke Porter, general manager for Acclaim, at Pearson VUE. Jarin Schmidt, product lead for Acclaim added, "Acclaim badges help lower the cost of credential verification and enable ACA candidates to share their accomplishments in a verified fashion across the online destinations most relevant to them."
Badges issued through Acclaim come from a trusted source and can be verified by clicking on the badge. Each badge includes metadata that shows who earned the credential, what was accomplished, and the organization that issued the badge. This transparency makes it easy for individuals to represent online their full range of abilities to academic institutions, employers and industry peers.
Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, delivers the ACA certification program throughout the world. For more information visit www.certiport.com/aca.
About Pearson
Pearson (www.pearson.com) is the world's leading education company, providing educational materials, technologies, assessments and related services to teachers and students of all ages. They generate approximately 60 percent of sales in North America but operate in over 70 countries. They are also a leading provider of electronic learning programmes and of test development, processing and scoring services to educational institutions, corporations and professional bodies around the world.
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Gaming Technology Helps Put People to Work
WINTER PARK, FL, August 13, 2014 – With the help of EASy Simulation® gaming technology developed by Employment Technologies, Denver nonprofit Mi Casa Resource Center has been singled out by the White House and a report by Vice President Joe Biden for successful “job-driven” strategies for workforce development programs that help workers with limited education prepare for promising career path employment.
Employment testing and training is often a daunting task for both participants and trainers, but EASy Simulations are changing all that. This gaming technology has helped Mi Casa transform their job-readiness training into a fun and engaging experience.
With a 38-year history of supporting people to achieve their economic goals, Mi Casa offers basic professional development training, as well as industry-focused training programs for workers with limited skills and education to prepare them for careers with strong earning and advancement potential in growth sectors.
Mi Casa connects program graduates to Denver area employers, providing a talent pool of trained, verified, and highly qualified professionals.
Through a new partnership with Employment Technologies, Mi Casa is now utilizing the company’s award-winning EASy Simulations. Providing high-end graphics and a compelling storyline to immerse participants in key job roles, EASy Simulations give participants a realistic preview of the job and accurately diagnose critical job skills.
According to Carin Paupore, Lead Trainer for Mi Casa, “Employment Technologies’ EASy Simulations offer a friendly and engaging way for participants to improve their skills—regardless of age or level of experience. The simulations are an objective and professional way to assess candidate skills and training results.”
In addition to the simulations helping participants learn and understand their strengths and opportunities for growth, the format (being less text-based) is also ideal for candidates for whom English is a second language.
“Our career training programs have an incredible 75% full-time job-placement rate,” said Christine Marquez-Hudson, Executive Director/CEO of Mi Casa. “EASy Simulations ensure that our participants address areas for improvement before graduation and build confidence in their skills.”
“We consistently receive feedback from our employer partners that our graduates are not only job ready, but are also a cut above the rest,” said Christine.
“Knowing our innovations are helping put people to work is very rewarding,” said Joseph Sefcik, Founder and President of Employment Technologies. “The accuracy of the simulations ensures that employers are paired with job-seekers whose skills and abilities are a good fit for their needs. It really is a win-win.”
Mi Casa Resource Center is among the oldest and largest Latino-serving nonprofit organizations in Colorado and works toward its mission of advancing the economic success of Latino and working families. Mi Casa is an educational and economic resource center for families with many free and low-cost programs that begin in middle school and continue through adulthood. Mi Casa has four locations across Denver. For more information, visit MiCasaResourceCenter.org. Employment Technologies is the pioneer and world’s leading developer of employment simulations. A five-time winner of the prestigious Human Resource Executive, “Top HR Product of the Year” award, Employment Technologies’ EASy Simulations are proven to improve hiring, reduce training times, accelerate employee performance, reduce turnover, and inspire job success. To learn more, visit www.etc-easy.com.
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Pearson Partners with Programmr to Power Interactive Learn to Code Learning Labs
NEW YORK, August 12, 2014 – Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, is partnering with Programmr, a pioneer in online coding technology, to create the next-generation of interactive platforms for learning how to code, using just a web browser. The partnership reflects Pearson’s and Programmr’s shared commitment to make learning to code as easy as possible for users of all ages.
Each “Learning Lab” seamlessly integrates Programmr’s programming lab technology into Pearson’s web-based learning platform that includes screencast videos, graphics, and interactive assessment; all embedded within an instructional text written by Pearson’s best-selling professional technical authors. Readers will be able to learn theory while simultaneously practicing coding skills in a real-time “code sandbox” environment.
New York-based Programmr has taken the programming lab and put it into the cloud so users can access the latest coding technologies from any browser, eliminating the need for complicated desktop tools, removing one of the biggest impediments to learning to code.
The first four Learning Labs cover topics including HTML and CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and HTML5 Mobile App Development, with titles on additional popular coding technologies scheduled for publication later this year.
“We’re delighted Pearson has chosen Programmr’s technology to create its new line of Learning Labs,” said Rajesh Moorjani, founder and CEO of Programmr. “We’re hoping this heralds the new era of programming education and we’re excited to help make it happen.”
“We’re excited to launch this new series that provides students with a dynamic, cutting-edge platform for learning to code,” said Pearson Technology Group Executive Editor Mark Taber. “We believe that this interactive ‘learn by doing’ approach will lead to grasping the content faster, resulting in better learning outcomes.”
About Learning Labs:
Consists of step-by-step lessons, including dozens of short, easy-to-follow videos presented by established expert authors/instructors demonstrating key tasks
Includes the complete text of the companion published book
Enables users to test their understanding of the material after each lesson with a fully interactive online quiz
Delivered online from a link that will be available from the publisher site, InformIT. Once purchased, it can be viewed in any web browser that supports HTML5, including the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer
Programmr’s technology enables students to:
Practice as soon as they learn a programming concept
Start without any pre-installed software or plugins
Get helpful hints like syntax highlighting and auto-complete with Programmr’s powerful editor
Uncover flaws in their understanding of a concept instantly
The first four Learning Labs include:
“Sams Teach Yourself JavaScript in 24 Hours (Learning Lab)” by Phil Ballard, Michael Moncur
“Sams Teach Yourself HTML and CSS in 24 Hours (Learning Lab)” by Julie Meloni
“Sams Teach Yourself jQuery and JavaScript in 24 Hours (Learning Lab)” by Brad Dayley
“Sams Teach Yourself HTML5 Mobile Application Development in 24 Hours (Learning Lab)” by Jennifer Kyrnin
About Pearson
Pearson is the world’s leading learning company, with 40,000 employees in more than 80 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning. A division of Pearson, Pearson Technology Group (PTG) is the world’s largest publisher of books, eBooks, video, software, and courseware learning products for technical and creative professionals, computer users and business professionals. PTG publishing imprints include Addison-Wesley Professional, Adobe Press, Cisco Press, IBM Press, FT Press, Microsoft Press, Peachpit Press, Pearson IT Certification, Prentice Hall Professional, Que, Sams, and VMware Press.
About Programmr
Programmr provides online coding technologies to enable students and enthusiasts to learn programming interactively, as well as assess their coding skills right in the browser. With Programmr’s technology, not only can users code and run apps in a variety of technologies – like Ruby, Python, Android and iOS – online, but they can also test their skills by attempting browser-based challenges and contests on these popular technologies.
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Study Reveals Utilities Increasing Value to Customer Via Technology, Training Advancements
RENTON, WA, August 14, 2014 – Technology has helped the utility industry become more responsive to customers than ever before, including initiatives to help utilities understand what customers want by way of convenience, flexibility and self-service.
That’s according to the results of the 2014 Customer Care Benchmark Report, sponsored by Georgia Power and conducted by Mosaic, a national training and workforce consulting company in the utility and oil & gas industry. The report, focusing on customer care initiatives and future trends, and was released this week.
Key executives from customer care units representing nine utilities across the U.S. were interviewed about the current status of customer care initiatives and future trends of this vital segment in their industry.
“With changing market dynamics and customer expectations, one of the key business impacts to utilities will be the need to invest more dollars in technology and training,” said Latanza Adjei, director of Georgia Power’s Customer Care Center. “By fully leveraging technology, contact centers can provide more value to the customer, by offering options which fully address our customers’ need for more information, convenience and control.
“Since more customers are choosing to conduct simple transactions with their utility via the self-service channels, customer contacts via phone tend to be more complex, so employees need additional training and knowledge-based tools that provide personalized, just-in-time information,” Adjei added.
The study revealed that utilities continue to increase their use of IVR (Interactive Voice Response). Current utilization ranges from 20 to 38 percent, with the goal of increasing utilization from 40 to 50 percent. Utilities reported that increase utilization of IVR reduces customer service expense and increases customer satisfaction when successfully implemented.
Consumers are watching other industries provide easier and more convenient ways to pay a bill or schedule a service call, and they want that same flexibility from their utility.
As a result, more than 70 percent of participating utilities reported being actively engaged in improving their new hire training efforts and updating technology. Utilities want to move from a simple transaction source to a knowledge provider for customers.
Tom Karcz, Mosaic director of Customer Experience and Billing, said utilities are now managing beyond the meter to add value for their customers, and moving to technology-related services rather than just a paper bill.
“More and more customers are wanting to be informed and have choices in how they interact with utility companies,” Karcz said. “And utilities are listening.”
Another trend growing in the utility industry is the gamification of Customer Care call centers. Gamification is the process in which normal work processes are turned into competitive activities, transforming goals into awards to build a sense of camaraderie among co-workers. The concept was borrowed from video games.
About Georgia Power Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), the premier energy company serving the Southeast through its subsidiaries. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates.
About MosaicMosaic is a training and workforce consulting firm, providing custom solutions to utilities and oil & gas companies. The expertise and experience of our people—our most valuable asset—helps companies reach and sustain the highest levels of workforce competency, quality, safety and efficiency. We prepare employees for critical business challenges, new technologies, process changes and evolving compliance requirements. Our tailor-made, pragmatic solutions improve workforce performance and create change to better support a company’s mission and goals.
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GP Strategies Awarded Major Contract Renewal Providing Enterprise Learning Services
COLUMBIA, MD., June 18, 2014 — Global performance improvement solutions provider GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE: GPX) announced that it has signed a multi-year renewal agreement with a leading global software company to continue providing managed learning services and custom content development and delivery solutions.
Since 2009, GP Strategies has provided a broad range of services in support of this global leader, including product and device custom content development, training delivery, global training logistics, administration, event management, software applications training, and program and project management.
Dennis Bonilla, Senior Vice President for GP Strategies, stated that the renewal of the enterprise-wide Master Services Agreement is testimony to the partnership’s success.
“GP Strategies has demonstrated its ability to fully support a Fortune 50 company across the widest range of learning and development services needed in order to be a high-performing learning organization,” he said. “Our services have expanded across the client's multiple business groups since the initial content development contract. The GP Strategies team has adapted to market changes that require an agile partner in order to drive successful business outcomes.”
About GP Strategies GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE: GPX) is a global performance improvement solutions provider of training, eLearning solutions, management consulting and engineering services. GP Strategies' solutions improve the effectiveness of organizations by delivering innovative and superior training, consulting and business improvement services customized to meet the specific needs of its clients. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, manufacturing, process and energy industries, and other commercial and government customers.
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GP Strategies Awarded Major Contract Renewal Providing Managed Learning Services
COLUMBIA, MD., May 5, 2014 — Global performance improvement solutions provider GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE: GPX) announced today that it has signed a new five--year agreement with a leading health services company to provide continued full-service learning and development outsourcing offerings, including global program support.
Since 2007, GP Strategies has delivered a broad range of learning services in support of this client's Corporate University, including implementing a learning management system and providing training administration support, helpdesk, project management, content design and development, delivery, training facility and vendor management services.
"Our customer, who prefers not to be identified, conducted a comprehensive, complex and fair assessment of the current Learning Services market,” said Don Duquette, GP Strategies Executive Vice President, Learning Services. “We are pleased that they selected GP Strategies to continue to provide managed learning services. I look forward to working with them for the next five years as they continue to grow globally.”
About GP Strategies GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE: GPX) is a global performance improvement solutions provider of training, eLearning solutions, management consulting and engineering services. GP Strategies' solutions improve the effectiveness of organizations by delivering innovative and superior training, consulting and business improvement services customized to meet the specific needs of its clients. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, manufacturing, process and energy industries, and other commercial and government customers.
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GP Strategies Launches Global Tuition Assistance Program for the Boeing Company
COLUMBIA, MD., Feb. 11, 2014 — Global performance improvement solutions provider GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE: GPX) is pleased to announce that it has successfully launched a global tuition assistance program management solution to support The Boeing Company's Learning Together Program.
Boeing's Learning, Training and Development (LTD) group selected GP Strategies to improve the service level and process efficiency of their Learning Together Program. This program provides tuition assistance for Boeing employees around the globe who are seeking to continue their education in undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as other instructive opportunities.
Recently launched, GP Strategies' global solution includes the processing of tuition requests, grade verification, invoice auditing, reporting and help desk support. Using a branded and custom-configured tuition system, seamlessly interfacing with several Boeing systems and processes, GP Strategies has streamlined and improved this organization's education assistance program, providing global employees with access to online tools, information and efficient payment processing. These services transfer global program oversight and administrative responsibilities to GP Strategies as the single point of contact, ensuring consistent, quality services and operational efficiency across the organization.
Heidi Milberg, GP Strategies' Director of Learning Solutions, said that she is thrilled to be awarded the opportunity to help Boeing meet their goals for an improved Learning Together Program.
“The size and complexity of the program presented opportunities for improvement, which aligns well to GP Strategies' strength as a custom tuition program management solution provider,” she said. “A strong partnership has resulted from this successful outsourcing engagement, bringing significant value and benefits to both organizations."
About The Boeing Company Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. Headquartered in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 170,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries. This represents one of the most diverse, talented and innovative workforces anywhere. More than 140,000 of Boeing's employees hold college degrees, including nearly 35,000 advanced degrees, in virtually every business and technical field from approximately 2,700 colleges and universities worldwide.
About GP Strategies GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE: GPX) is a global performance improvement solutions provider of training, eLearning solutions, management consulting and engineering services. GP Strategies' solutions improve the effectiveness of organizations by delivering innovative and superior training, consulting and business improvement services customized to meet the specific needs of its clients. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, manufacturing, process and energy industries, and other commercial and government customers.
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ROI Training Launches New Virtual Public Class Schedule
NEW YORK, N.Y. Aug. 15, 2014 — ROI Training, Inc., a global provider of customized IT and management training, announced today the launch of its new Virtual Public Class Schedule. Learners can now have the option of receiving the same cutting-edge, hands-on intensive training ROI has delivered in the classroom, by attending a real-time, interactive course from any Internet accessible location.
ROI Training cofounder Brian Reimer said his company, as a provider of on-site corporate training programs for groups of attendees and teams, wanted to provide a new alternative for the individual learner.
“We’re constantly innovating our solutions to meet our customers’ individual needs and help them achieve their training goals on a global level,” he said. “The ROI Virtual Classroom provides additional options for receiving high-quality, instructor-led training, while eliminating travel time and costs.”
About ROI Training, Inc.
Established in 2002, ROI Training, Inc. is the industry recognized leader in designing, developing, and delivering customized Technology & Management training programs. ROI’s world-class Instructors and Mentors work closely with clients to deliver the skills and best practices required in a fast-paced, global enterprise. ROI supports customers in the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Japan, China, Singapore, India, Canada, and South America. Our comprehensive curriculum includes, Web and Mobile Application Development, Agile Development, Cloud Computing and Virtualization, Security, Big Data, Java, Technology Project Management and IT Service Management. View the Virtual Classroom Public Course Schedule.
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Continuing Professional Development Training of Medical Laboratory Personnel
BOTSWANA, Aug. 18, 2014 – Laboratory professionals are expected to maintain their knowledge on the most recent advances in laboratory testing, and continuing professional development (CPD) programs can address this expectation. In developing countries, accessing CPD programs is a major challenge for laboratory personnel, partly due to their limited availability. An assessment was conducted among clinical laboratory workforce in Botswana to identify and prioritize CPD training needs as well as preferred modes of CPD delivery. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was disseminated to medical laboratory scientists and technicians registered with the Botswana Health Professions Council.
Questions were organized into domains of competency related to:
1. quality management systems
2. technical competence
3. laboratory management, leadership and coaching
4. pathophysiology, data interpretation, and research. Participants were asked to rank their self-perceived training needs using a three-point scale in order of importance (most, moderate, and least). Furthermore, participants were asked to select any three preferences for delivery formats for the CPD. Results: Out of 350 questionnaires that were distributed, 275 were completed and returned giving an overall response rate of 79 percent.
The top three preferred CPD delivery modes, in rank order, were training workshops, hands-on workshops, and Internet-based learning. Journal clubs at the workplace was the least preferred method of delivery of CPD credits. Conclusions: CPD programs to be developed should focus on topics that address quality management systems, case studies, competence assessment, and customer care.
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Skillsoft to Purchase SumTotal Systems in the U.S.
NASHUA, N.H., Aug. 21, 2014 — e-Learning company Skillsoft has announced a deal to buy SumTotal Systems from U.S.-based private equity firm Vista Equity Partners for an undisclosed amount.
SumTotal provides flexible, human resources solutions to 3,500 customers and 49 million users worldwide. Skillsoft officials said the acquisition will expand their solution portfolio and global reach.
Skillsoft provides electronic learning solutions to over 6,000 customers globally, including companies and governments. It uses cloud computing, which allows clients to reduce costs by ditching bulky local servers for network-based software and storage in remote data centers.
About Skillsoft
Skillsoft is a pioneer in the field of learning with a long history of innovation. Skillsoft provides cloud based learning solutions for its customers worldwide, ranging from global enterprises, government, and education to mid-sized and small businesses. Skillsoft's customer support teams draw on a wealth of in-house experience and a comprehensive learning e-library to develop off-the-shelf and custom learning programs tailored to cost-effectively meet customer needs. Skillsoft's courses, books and videos have been developed by industry leading learning experts to ensure that they maximize business skills, performance, and talent development.
About SumTotal Systems
SumTotal Systems, LLC, the largest independent provider of integrated HR solutions, is increasing the performance of some of the world's most successful organizations, including AstraZeneca, Amway and Seagate. The only HR solution provider to deliver Talent Expansion, a whole new approach to discovering, developing and unleashing hidden potential within our customers' workforce, SumTotal delivers employee enablement solutions that help organizations become great places to work. SumTotal's people-focused applications, available on premise and in the Cloud, enable contextual, just-in-time development designed to advance employees' skills and knowledge. Today, more than 3,500 organizations, including several of Fortune's “Best Places to Work,” rely on SumTotal's on premise and cloud-based Talent Expansion applications to enable their employees.
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New Pearson Partnership to Increase Access to Online Education
BOSTON, MA, Aug. 25, 2014 — To increase access to online educational opportunities for health information management (HIM) professionals, Pearson today announced a partnership with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the premier association of health information management professionals worldwide. Serving more than 71,000 members, it is recognized as the leading source of “HIM knowledge,” a respected authority for rigorous professional education and training.
Through the partnership, Pearson will work with AHIMA to expand its online education offerings by providing consulting and course development services, learning technology, and access to nearly 200 online, self-paced courses, beginning in October 2014. Courses will focus on areas such as leadership, medical billing and coding, privacy and security, project management, and business.
Pearson is also revising and relaunching AHIMA’s Virtual Lab, an Internet-based, practical, and participative HIM and health information technology (HIT) work environment that features multiple software applications and corresponding lessons. Launched in 2006, the Virtual Lab has more than 200 subscribing colleges and universities.
“AHIMA is excited to partner with Pearson and create a relationship that brings together two industry leaders in our respective fields to deliver high-value content across multiple platforms,” said Jason Malley, VP, Business and Innovation, AHIMA.
Leah Jewell, Pearson’s Managing Director, Workforce Readiness, said the HIM field has evolved from medical records management to a wide range of roles and responsibilities.
“HIM professionals are playing an increasingly important role in a variety of organizations throughout the healthcare industry,” she said. “We’re proud to be the education partner that helps expand access to AHIMA’s quality educational offerings through digital learning, as the organization plays a critical role in the growth and success of the HIM profession.”
About Pearson
Pearson is the world’s leading learning company, with 40,000 employees in more than 80 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning.
About AHIMA
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) represents more than 71,000 educated health information management and health informatics professionals in the United States and around the world. AHIMA is committed to promoting and advocating for high-quality research, best practices, and effective standards in health information, and to actively contribute to the development and advancement of health information professionals worldwide. AHIMA’s enduring goal is quality healthcare through quality information.
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NIIT Launches Earn and Learn Program
ATLANTA, Ga., Aug. 25, 2014 — NIIT Institute of Finance, Banking & Insurance Training Ltd. (IFBI), one of India's largest banking training institute, announced the launch of a six-month insurance certification program where each student gets an opportunity to work under experienced mentors and understand the business dynamics.
Skilled professionals, graduates, and students who have successfully completed Grade XII in regular mode and, are in the 21-40 years age group can apply for this program. Candidates, successfully completing the program by meeting the performance criteria during the six-month training period at IFBI, will be absorbed by SBI General Insurance.
Ravi Khanna, Vice President of Human Resources and Learning at SBI General Insurance said, the program addresses the ever-increasing trained manpower requirement for the insurance sector.
“Our association with NIIT IFBI brings forth the best in terms of curriculum and faculty,” he said.
As per industry reports, the insurance sector which currently stands at $66.4 billion is poised to reach $ 350 billion by 2020. In India, owing to the demographic dividend, the sector is growing at a much faster rate, creating huge requirement for trained manpower. According to ASSOCHAM, this requirement is estimated at three million trained insurance professionals by 2030.
NIIT President Bimal Jain said that the primary objective is to offer a perfect balance of theoretical and professional exposure of working in the corporate world, thus creating seasoned professionals.
The program offers students the opportunity to work and understand the business dynamics via a two days in the classroom and a four-day on-the-job training with SBI General Insurance.
The students are assigned to a branch and an experienced Mentor from SBI General provides the required on-the-job training.
Students successfully completing the program get an opportunity to join SBI General Insurance either in bank assurance, agent handling or direct sales roles.
About NIIT
NIIT is a market-leading, global managed training services company with more than 30 years of experience in learning outsourcing. With a team of some of the world’s finest learning professionals and presence in 38 countries, we help the world’s leading companies dramatically improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their training.
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Saffron Interactive Enters Sixth Year as Accredited Learning Technologies Provider
LONDON, U.K., Aug. 27, 2014 — Saffron Interactive, a leading innovator in the digital learning sector, has been re-accredited by the Learning and Performance Institute (formerly the Institute of IT Training) for the sixth year running. The rigorous accreditation process requires that vendors demonstrate consistently excellent performance and give evidence of strategic transformation and innovation.
The Learning Technologies Accreditation is designed for companies that provide communication, information and related technologies that can be used to support learning, performance and capability building. Saffron is one of the few bespoke providers to currently hold an Accreditation. The Accreditation provides Saffron’s clients with valuable assurances, including the following:
The provider conforms to a professional Code of Practice
Marketing collateral is verifiable and accurately represents the services being provided
Learning environments are well designed, up to date, and fit for purpose
Individuals involved in learning provision are technically competent
About Saffron Interactive
Saffron Interactive is one of the most celebrated digital learning and communication brands in Europe. We work with FTSE 250 organizations to change behavior and improve performance. We are not interested in adding to the mountain of dull, mind-numbing ‘e-telling’ that often masquerades as e-learning. We want your people to be inspired, to be energized, to make the right choices and to take action. This is why we are in business. As well as consistently producing award-winning bespoke e-learning, over the past two years we’ve pioneered mobile learning, open source learning platforms, serious games and blended learning programs. We believe that learning is natural, that a love of learning is normal and that learning should be fun. We value questions above answers, creativity above fact regurgitation, individuality above uniformity, and excellence above standardized performance.
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