“Can-Do” Derbyshire ADAPT project

	Analysing the training and development needs of participating SMEs.
	Addressing the learning and training needs of SMEs and individual employees through credit based unitised provision.
	Motivating employees to take up learning opportunities through credit based provision.
	Providing and developing effective and appropriate ICT supported learning.
	Promoting credit based and ICT learning opportunities with its European partners.

	Visits and discussions with participating companies and with learners;
	Observations of learners;
	Discussion with project staff at each college;
	Review of learning materials;
	Questionnaires to employers;
	Questionnaires to learners.

The main conclusions of the project are:

	Training needs analysis effective. Employers found the process and results useful.
	Employers mainly interested in training to meet their own needs.
	Employers clearly motivated to take part in on-line learning.
	Support for learners vital to ensure they complete their learning programmes successfully.
	Need for flexible approach in deciding which methods of support are best for a particular employee.
	Material should be designed to fit a study programme of small chunks of learning.
	Combination of workbook and support clearly effective with a motivated learner.
	E-mail very effective method of tutorial support, but still need face-to-face meeting.
	Integration of different aspects of project essential to ensure smooth flow and maintain interest. Delays and gaps in a programme lead to learners and employers losing interest.
	Many employers do not fully understand benefits and functions of qualifications and credits.
	Exposure to online and flexible approaches to learning changes learners’ preferences to methods and location.
	Learners significantly motivated by working towards qualification.
	Materials development is time consuming and difficult for individual college to carry out quickly in context of other priorities.

Recommendations

	Delivery models – each partner had different approach. Recommended that a joint workshop should be held to share experience.
	Learning materials – development of materials requires considerable resources and expertise. Partners should consider joint development.

External evaluation report (2001) “Can-Do” Derbyshire ADAPT project.