No two businesses are created equal and as a result cookie-cutter one-size-fits-all training programmes often don’t cater for your business’ unique needs or align with your organisational culture. Instead of investing in programmes where 50% of the content is not relevant to your staff or your business why not invest in a customised programme which targets your specific needs and addresses the unique skills shortages and challenges your company faces? You shouldn’t have to compromise on a training programme that is an almost fit or that “kind of” meets your requirements. There is another solution – customise!

The Consumer Protection Act (“the CPA”) came into working on 1 April 2011 and has a huge impact on the way that companies can promote and market their goods and services to their clients. One of the issues that businesses must take note of is that they are not allowed to contact consumers (whether it is a client or a potential client) for the purpose of selling or offering products or services to them during the prohibited times as set out in the CPA.

In the past individuals would learn skills and knowledge through training, education and experience. However, in today’s fast paced environment companies need staff to learn and have the knowledge that comes with experience quickly. They also need to know that the education and knowledge that the individual is gaining is not simply “book knowledge” but that it can be practically applied to their everyday work tasks.

After conducting an intensive study on the debt counselling landscape of South Africa, Compuscan Academy has released results indicating the competency requirements and skills needs of South African debt counsellors. The study further highlights those areas where intensive and urgent training is needed and offers recommendations regarding the future training of debt counsellors.