SSI Helps Develop National First Web Based Software

The Training Station, a unique service created to develop business training and make it more accessible throughout Somerset and the first of its kind in the UK, has chosen SSIWEB to develop the web based software needed to develop its 'Matrix' - an up-to-date comprehensive database of training courses across Somerset.

Through the The Training Station, owners and managers of businesses throughout the county will be able to call one number to discuss their training needs with a Skills Broker, who will carry out an initial diagnosis.

Key to the success of The Training Station is the Matrix. The Skills Broker uses it as a refined search engine until the ideal training solution for the company has been found, at which point the business will be connected to the provider.

The main software system that drives the Matrix is a powerful SQL backend database combined with a robust web based front end.

Tim Howes, SSIWEB's project manager, explains how the system works: "The brief for the software needed to run the Matrix was unique, given the number of people required to use it and their geographical spread throughout Somerset and beyond. The best solution was a web based front end linked to the database backend.

"We have been able to develop this unique system for the The Training Station, thanks in part to the huge developments that have taken place in web based technology of the past few years. Websites are now no longer just displays of text and graphics - they can become powerful marketing and data collection systems in their own right."

Tim added: "We were delighted to be able to offer the The Training Station a comprehensive solution, based on our wide range of expertise and experience."

As well as providing easy access to information concerning business training throughout the county, the The Training Station also offers a number of other benefits, including:

• Regular events, which will be run for particular business sector groups on the benefits of training and workforce development training.
• Specific free business training reviews for qualifying businesses, to evaluate their exact training requirements, produce a clear training plan for the business, look at how the success of training to the business and to individual employees can be measured, and identify areas for improvement and where additional advice or expertise might be useful.
• Research into the potential skills gaps of the future, and feedback of the findings to training providers and business sectors so they can re-assess their provision to better address the training needs of the county's business community.

And the biggest benefit of all is that businesses will NOT HAVE TO PAY for the services of the The Training Station to find the right course for their business. Training providers will be able to give them an indication of how much each course costs and the businesses ongoing working relationship will be with them.

Further information is available by calling 0845 345 2475, emailing enquiries@thetrainingstation.org.uk, or visiting www.thetrainingstation.org.uk

Date - 10 May 2005