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"As a product, Learning Assistant is internet based, easy-to-use and adaptable. As a company, we've found Learning Assistant to be very supportive and easy to work with - and that's really important, as we rely on them to respond to the complex demands of our courses."
Brian Boyle, QA Manager, EKGTA
About EKGTA
East Kilbride & District Engineering Group Training Association Ltd (EKGTA) specialises in training Modern Apprentices at craft and technician levels in engineering and related disciplines. Established in 1966, as an employer-led training provider for the Engineering Industry, EKGTA offer people the chance to develop the knowledge and skills necessary in employment. Their client base includes a wide range of engineering firms from small businesses to multi-national corporations within Scotland, the U.K. and overseas.
EKGTA are currently using Learning Assistant to deliver a range of level 2 and 3 vocational qualifications, including: Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Installation & Commissioning, Materials Processing & Finishing and Management awards. At the time of writing, EKGTA have over 200 candidates registered on Learning Assistant with licenses for an additional 250 learners to be loaded in the next 12 months. They are an accredited centre through SEMTA, EMTA Awards Ltd, SQA, City & Guilds, ILM, Cogent SSC, AutoDesk, SQMS Scotland, Investor in People Scotland and Learndirect Scotland.
The following Interview was conducted with Brian Boyle, QA Manager at EKGTA.
What made you decide to look for a new e-portfolio?
Drawing on our experience of using e-portfolios in the past, we know that a software partner needs to be committed to developing their own product, while also recognising that the training provider is the expert in their field. When courses are as unique as they are in our sector (Engineering), the complex relationships between course units, performance criteria and evidence requires an e-portfolio that’s highly customisable. Our previous e-portfolio provider did not have this flexibility and we found it difficult – and costly – to engage with them in the change process. That's one of things that made Learning Assistant stand out from its competitors; everything can be tailored to our exact needs.
Why choose Learning Assistant?
We view it as a partnership. And when you're looking for a business partner, you need to know your supplier has not only the right product but also the right approach. As a product, Learning Assistant is internet based, easy-to-use and adaptable. As a company, we've found Learning Assistant to be very supportive and easy to work with - and that's really important, as we rely on them to respond to the complex demands of our courses.
In terms of like-for-like comparison with competitors, I'd say that in addition to its ease-of-use and adaptability features, Learning Assistant seemed to have the edge for Assessors and Verifiers. The learner view is excellent, but it's the visibility the system gives the training provider that makes the real difference. With Learning Assistant our Assessors are in control.
How has Learning Assistant changed your business?
I wouldn't say it's changed our business but it has changed our outlook. In my experience, young people demand a lot more from technology. That's why Learning Assistant is ideal for younger learners as the system is akin to the types of social networking sites they are used to using. It's also an important factor for our Assessors, because our Candidates demand regular feedback on how they're doing, we can use the system to maintain the immediacy of contact and sustain the Candidate's motivation.
But it's not just our Candidates and Assessors that benefit; we're using Learning Assistant's reporting tools to keep our member organisations up to date on how their learners are doing, so this constant feedback works for everyone.
Has Learning Assistant had a positive effect on your profitability?
That is something we are looking at very closely. Not only are we reviewing potential cost savings through the use of the system but also the reduction in our environmental impact. For example, we have Assessors working all over the country, but with Learning Assistant there's no reason why the assessment must be done with both the Candidate and Assessor in the same room. Clearly, there will always be the need for face-to-face contact, but it's not always necessary in order to progress the Candidate's portfolio. With this in mind, the potential cost savings on time, travel and resources are significant.
But it's not just about cost savings, we see learning Assistant as part of the bigger picture. We want to use the system in combination with other technologies, like video clips, digital images, video conferencing and mobile communications in order to create a more dynamic learning experience for our customers. And that’s got to be good for business.
