SMEs recognize further training as a success factor, meeting demand remains problematic
Small companies in Switzerland consider continuing education to be relevant to their business success. This is shown by the study "Importance and implementation of continuing education in SMEs" published by the Swiss Association for Continuing Education SVEB in April 2024. The study provides representative empirical results on this topic for the first time since 2005.
The study "Importance and implementation of continuing education in SMEs" focuses on micro and small companies with up to 50 employees. These companies are of central importance within the Swiss economic system. They account for around 98 percent of all companies in Switzerland and employ almost half of all employees working in companies. These companies are correspondingly important for the further training of Swiss skilled workers. With this published study, the SVEB is presenting basic knowledge on this topic and helping to close a research gap.
Further training is important for the company's success
The study is based on a quantitative survey of 386 SMEs with 2 to 50 employees and 10 qualitative interviews with SME managers. It shows that many SMEs attribute great importance to further training. Almost 90 percent consider it to be important for the success of the company. In addition, the majority include it in their company budget and strategy. Employees are also described by around three quarters of SMEs as being motivated to undertake further training. Nevertheless, employees in more than half of SMEs rarely take part in further training. Low-skilled employees in particular show a low level of further training activity.
One third have an unmet need for further training
The results also indicate that the need for further training in small companies is not being met in some cases. A third of SMEs feel that they are prevented from implementing (more) further training. According to the SME managers, the reasons for this are primarily a lack of financial and time resources or a lack of suitable training courses. Almost half of SMEs consider it difficult to assess their future skills requirements. And since most companies only plan further training if they see a concrete benefit behind it, their further training activities potentially do not correspond to their actual needs.
Industry influences further training activity
The study also shows that further training activity in companies differs according to sector. SMEs in the "catering and retail" sector in particular implement continuing education less frequently and also rate the importance of continuing education lower. Small SMEs with up to three employees provide less financial and time-related support. The qualification structure in SMEs also plays a role. Overall, the analyses indicate that SMEs with a large proportion of low-skilled employees are less interested in further training than other SMEs. For example, they are less likely to include further training in their company budget.
Source: www.alice.ch
