Flexible further development

Life-long learning – whether at work or in the private sphere – is gaining in importance. The world is growing in complexity, not least in the wake of the digital transformation and the rapid pace of change it brings with it. KWS has always offered its employees worldwide a diverse range of further training opportunities.

And now that has been expanded. Employees have been able to access the LinkedIn Learning platform since this March. The LinkedIn subsidiary offers video tutorials in the areas of business, creativity and technology – and users are enthusiastic: “LinkedIn Learning helps you develop professionally and personally. The training courses are easy to understand and entertaining. Perfect for short learning sessions,” says Sang-Kyun Park, an Employer Branding and Talent Attraction expert at Global Human Resources.

No matter whether users log on directly to LinkedIn Learning or click on the link in the existing SuccessFactors Learning platform to go to LinkedIn Learning – their personal data is always protected by means of a pseudonym. “We feel it important for our colleagues to know that their data is safe and they can move around freely in the further training offerings,” says Sabine Vogt, who is in charge of the project as head of the Expert Hub Performance, Talent and Employee Development.

Whether a three-minute tutorial or an online course lasting several hours and split up into different sequences – users can choose the module that suits them, their individual needs and their time budget.

The learning content is broad-ranging:

• How to use Excel spreadsheets
• How to use PowerPoint
• Project management and self-management
• Questions relating to the subjects of career, personnel development and leadership
• Tips on body language, holding presentations or masterfully managing video conferences

For private or professional purposes?

If a LinkedIn Learning course has been approved by an employee’s supervisor as part of further training in their professional activity, the content can be called up during working hours. However, employees can also use the tool privately. If you’ve always wanted to take a photography course or are interested in creative writing, you can log on in your spare time free of charge.

If a clear-cut dividing line can’t be drawn between your private interests and professional needs, Vogt advises you to talk with your supervisor. “If someone wants to learn a programming language, for example, and isn’t sure whether that might be a sensible addition to their professional qualifications, they should discuss the matter with their boss.”

The advantages of LinkedIn Learning are obvious as far as Vogt is concerned. “Everyone can learn at their own pace. I can split up my learning sessions so that I’m not inundated with too much knowledge all at once.” That dovetails neatly with the slogan “Make yourself grow.” “The aim is to take your personal growth into your own hands.” He’s also impressed by the quality of LinkedIn Learning. “Whether it’s the quality of the sound, images or didactic methods – everything’s produced professionally,” adds Vogt.

March 31 saw the launch of a joint project between all the Business Units, Global Human Resources and Global Marketing on two platforms: the KWS Sales Academy. The Sales Academy is the place where our employees from the Sales teams in all markets and Business Units can brush up their knowledge and expand their skills.

The idea behind the project is to provide our Sales staffers with ideal training by means of knowledge transfer, standardized courses and tailored learning paths. The upshot is the KWS Sales Academy. It consists of four overarching modules – Sales Techniques, Marketing, Product Knowledge, and Organization – with different types of training. Online self-learning formats such as tutorials or online trainings you can click on mean you can learn any time, anywhere, while instructor-led training offers direct dialogue, group work and feedback. The offerings include tutorials on our digital tools, such as the Vitality Check, online training on the subject of “The Brand in Sales” and instructor-led seminars on rhetoric and communication skills, conducting negotiations, and talks with customers.

Access to SuccessFactors Learning and the KWS BrandNet

The Sales Academy is currently available on two different platforms.

• First, on the SuccessFactors platform, which was rolled out at all KWS locations in Germany in October 2020. SuccessFactors Learning integrates multiple academies for various target groups, such as the Sales Academy.
• All colleagues outside Germany can access the Academy from the KWS BrandNet, our digital brand platform.

Flexible, living concept

The Academy was launched with a small range of training courses. The offerings will be expanded more and more over time. New trainings will be developed to suit the needs of the sales teams, while existing ones will be optimized on the basis of feedback. The range of languages offered also continues to grow. All of the trainings are being translated with the help of colleagues from the various markets.

The Sales Academy can keep on growing with your support. Do you need training that would fit perfectly in the Sales Academy, but is not yet offered? Do you need training to be translated? Then get in touch and we’ll try to fulfill your wishes. |