Guide for training in SMEs

This guide illustrates how training and skills development could successfully be developed and implemented in small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) despite both the internal and external barriers they face in this context. The first part of the guide summarises basic information and facts about SME development and major challenges in Europe today. This is followed by three main sections, each addressing several thematic topics. Each topic is structured in a similar way, providing information on main challenges, focussing on experience of good practice and innovative solutions made in the context of the specific theme, and highlighting major lessons to be learned, crucial factors of success and aspects of transferability. The topics and themes are: (1) Improving the framework conditions of training and skills development - solutions for organisational problems and barriers; financial means and resources for training; human resources (HR) and skills development policy; perceptions of training needs by workers and managers; and resource pooling and SME cooperation in training and competence development; (2) Developing suitable methods and techniques of training - training methods addressing specific needs of SMEs; training and competence development for managerial staff and entrepreneurs; and validation of informal skills and competence; and (3) Addressing current and structural challenges of competence development - competence development in the context of demographic change; retaining workers and making SMEs more attractive to young people; competence development in the context of internationalisation; and improving and addressing gender equality and opportunities for women.

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