Lynette Goldschagg, manager of Student Computing Services at UP, offers insight into the benefits of LinkedIn Learning.

The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Student Computing Services division consists of a large team of permanent and student employees allocated to computer facilities at various campuses. The team provides technology support to all registered students, ensures that all computer classrooms are functional, provides facilities for formal assessments, and assists students with access to computing systems and software.  To successfully provide the support needed by our diverse community of customers, a diverse skill set is required, and continuous learning and development is essential.  While it can sometimes prove complicated to ensure the availability of training to large groups, we have received excellent opportunities and support towards improving our capabilities through the LinkedIn Learning platform.

Student employees can easily become skilled in the basic technology services they are required to perform as well as build general skills such as customer service, which improve their day-to-day interactions. They can also use the platform to expand their knowledge, improve their employability and prepare for their career outside of UP through the short courses on the LinkedIn Learning platform, which are easy to fit between their tight class and work schedules.

Our permanent staff also benefit from the range of courses available and are able to continuously update a wide range of skills due to the availability of new content. As new technologies are constantly being launched, so new training courses are released on LinkedIn Learning, readily available for the team to consume and put them ahead of the curve. LinkedIn Learning also provides the opportunity to build advanced technical skills through internationally recognised professional certification companies such as Microsoft and CompTIA as well as professional development continuing education courses through the Project Management Institute and NASBA CPE to ensure the highest standards.

For me as a manager, the ability to design learning paths and recommend specific courses has proven invaluable in the construction of a structured training plan for any staff member, spanning several years as they gain experience in their position. These training plans can easily be adjusted and provide the opportunity to establish individual development plans each year, as well as the ability to report on progress and completion.

Having access to various levels of complexity allows for the creation of training paths, ranging from basic workplace skills to advanced managerial competencies, allowing us to providing appropriate training to all levels of staff. This assists with career and professional development, and fosters a culture of continuous learning, enhancing the ability to manage and direct their own learning, while developing the skills to transfer knowledge and develop others. Using the built-in artificial intelligence coach and career journey features enhance the personalised experience and allow each member of my team to craft their development plan towards their chosen career goal.     

I believe that all UP staff can benefit from using the platform by being able to find information on a variety of workplace-related topics, from basic computer skills to supervisory and personal development. We are excited to improve our use of the platform and increase the learning paths available to our team; after four years of use, we’ve only scratched the surface. I look forward to further exploring the system and adding value to our staff, while enjoying the excellent support from our HR Learning and Development team.