Bluedrop Learning Networks Helps Close Skills Gap with SmartForceNL Program

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, Sept. 16, 2014 /CNW/ -- The results of its analysis have been tallied, and Bluedrop Learning Networks today revealed the successful completion of the SmartForceNL program designed for the provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada. The program launched in 2011 as a comprehensive online workforce development initiative to identify and close the skills gaps of workers and businesses within the province.

The results of the program showed positive progress in a number of key areas:

• Over 90 percent of Newfoundland and Labrador's workforce is employed by small- to mid-sized businesses (SMBs)—under 20 employees—which have historically lacked the financial means to access the training tools needed to remain competitive.
• To meet this need, Bluedrop Learning Networks deployed a completely custom software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that included over 20 hours of custom courseware to meet priority areas and supplement specific skills gaps, incorporating local context, examples and relevant case studies.
• The project was initially designed to offer 10,000 pre-paid courses and target 500 companies. Due to the significant demand, almost all of the courses were claimed within the first eight months. In 2012, the province extended the program by adding another 10,000 courses. Due to the significant success of the program, Bluedrop also added an additional 8,000 courses at its own expense as part of its community development efforts.
• By the end of the program in January 2013, over 15,000 people had registered from all regions of the province, representing six percent of its workforce. More than 800 employers also took advantage of the program.  Registration is still ongoing and continues to grow each month.
• The system provides the province with data on in-demand professional development-related skills sought after among employers and employees in Newfoundland and Labrador.

SUPPORTING QUOTES:

• Emad Rizkalla, founder and CEO of Bluedrop Learning Networks, said:
  "Fifty percent of employees' work knowledge and skills change every three years. This trend highlights the critical business need for training, yet effective solutions have long been out of reach for smaller businesses. Bluedrop addressed this challenge by delivering the technology and context-specific training these businesses need to level the playing field for SMBs and individuals in the Newfoundland and Labrador workforce. The results here far exceeded my expectations."
• Ron Taylor, CEO of the Newfoundland and Labrador Advanced Technology Industry (NATI), said:
  "Governments and workforce organizations need to have training solutions that are repeatable, scalable, and provide a low cost per user solution to give unemployed and small business employees with just in time training to meet their immediate skills gaps. Bluedrop is establishing a new standard for online learning and is helping to ensure that individuals receive the training they need to be more relevant and productive within their market."

For more information, visit: http://www.bluedroplearningnetworks.com/, and follow Bluedrop on Twitter @bluedrop_LN, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Bluedrop
Bluedrop Performance Learning (TSX-V: BPL) is an innovator in workplace training for individuals, corporations, military personnel and the public sector. Bluedrop recently created Bluedrop Learning Networks to offer simple, scalable training delivery. Launched in 2004, with six offices and over 160 employees, Bluedrop is transforming the workplace by designing, developing and delivering practical, actionable and affordable training content that improves individual and overall performance of organizations. For more information, visit www.bluedrop.com.

Media contact:
Peggy Tierney Galvin
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SOURCE Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc.

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