The Background
Founded in 1882, SA Brains & Co now has over 250 pubs across South Wales, the West Country and central Cardiff. The company is committed to delivering a first-class service to both trade customers and its consumers and is rapidly expanding its portfolio of pubs, bars and restaurants.
The Challenge
With over 600 staff in 108 managed houses, it is vital for SA Brains & Co to demonstrate that all of their public houses are legally compliant while ensuring that all new employees and existing staff successfully complete the relevant training.
At SA Brains & Co, staff development is a key factor in attaining business success. Whatever the age or educational background of employees, the company desires to create an environment which enables individual potential to thrive. It is the company’s aim to build an increasingly exciting and inspiring array of learning opportunities, that encompass development needs at all levels and in all sectors of the company.
The Solution
In order for SA Brains & Co to attain that competitive edge to keep ahead of the rapidly changing global economy, the company needed to consider alternative methods of training their workforce. To lift performance, raise standards and guarantee best practice, the company decided to spend a significant part of its learning and development budget on e-learning.
In January 2006 SA Brains & Co developed a partnership with ThirdForce, an established provider of e-learning solutions. The following e-learning courses were utilised for training and development within the company:
- Foundation Food Safety
- Foundation Heath and Safety
- Within less than a year the e-learning programme was developed further by adding three more courses – DDA, LLBP and AIMS
The company wanted to ensure that all new employees would successfully complete the relevant training within the first 12 weeks of commencing work. The training would also be delivered to new employees as part of their induction programme.
The Benefits
Now approaching the second year of focused training opportunities, SA Brains & Co provides a wide range of learning activities, ranging from management development to National Vocational Qualifications; from IT courses to certificated wine and spirit programmes.
Note: Link to image of the benefits see: http://www.thirdforce.com/UK/news/2008/April/Using_their_brains.aspx
Stuart Scrine, Head Chef of Salt @ the George, Swansea explained: “In this job it is vital that you keep up to speed with changes in legislation and techniques, and SA Brains & Co offers a fantastic range of learning opportunities, from skills development to management training.”
Barbara Lyne, Assistant Retail Management Accountant of SA Brains & Co explained: “I am delighted with the introduction of "Brain Power" Learning Opportunities that is being driven by our HR Team. Through which I was first in the company to complete the ECDL through e-Learning.”