Nottingham-based IT managed services provider Littlefish has relaunched its in-house learning academy.
The firm said the new professional development scheme is a blend of structure and flexibility with learning tailored to the requirements of specific roles.
After completing the entry level for their job role, there are three dedicated learning levels for staff – bronze, silver and gold – which all require the successful completion of the appropriate qualifications.
At each level, learners make choices around the qualifications they will pursue, tailoring their learning to their interests. After completing each level, learners are rewarded with an increase in their annual salary and gain access to the next level.
Once learners reach the bronze level for their job role, they can chose which academy they want to participate in: if they want to develop knowledge of infrastructure, professional services or cyber security, for instance, they are able to do so.
Emma Maraio, head of professional development at the company’s Lace Market, Nottingham, office, said: “Littlefish offers a highly-supportive environment for applied, professional development and lifelong learning. The academy gives staff the opportunity to develop, helps the company retain highly-qualified professionals and ensures an exceptional experience for our customer’s users.”
To ensure this exceptional customer experience, the company also recognises the importance of developing ‘softer’ people-skills, so there are also opportunities for 1 to 1s, mentorship, to engage with leadership programmes, and to practise role-play based training.
“We recognise that the practical and the personal interact, and the importance of both, in all of our roles here,” added Maraio.
The company funds the learning and exam costs and LinkedIn learning is now available to all employees regardless of academy entry. LinkedIn learning is a global, online learning platform, that can be accessed remotely or while on the move, anywhere, anytime, designed for in-depth instruction and just-in-time microlearning.
All courses offer industry-recognised qualifications and learners are able to add up to £4,500 to their annual salary as they progress through the academy.