electra Learning, a creative learning solutions and services company, has benefited from the market research help of a Robert Gordon University (RGU) student thanks to a unique work experience scheme for small and medium sized businesses.
The learning specialist business, which was looking for support with an e-learning market research project, engaged with Talent Exchange, a new initiative for the north-east which provides businesses with flexible access the skills and knowledge of RGU students.
Third year Management with HR student, Katalin Szappanos, was taken on to conduct much needed market research into eLearning and to develop a survey.
Donna McWilliams, Operations Manager at electra Learning, which offers performance and efficiency improvement programmes for employees in all industries, said she had contacted Talent Exchange after realising the need for the research and the opportunity to involve a student.
She said: “We originally contacted Talent Exchange via email and once they had a student available we met with an academic and the student.
“We initially introduced her to the business and she spent some time in the e-learning department to get a feel for what e-learning is and how it works. Once she had settled in she was very good at working independently, using her initiative and communicating progress with us.”
Following its launch in September 2014, Talent Exchange has worked with a total of 309 businesses from across 25 different sectors ranging from oil and gas, property and recruitment to healthcare, tourism and hospitality.
Established with funding from the Scottish Funding Council, it offers flexible solutions to a business including one-off challenges, short-term projects and placements of varying lengths.
Donna said the collaboration was highly beneficial for all parties involved.
She said: “The student absolutely exceeded our expectations. She was very helpful, professional and communicated with us very well. I think she benefitted from being in a working environment, while electra Learning benefitted from working with a student as it allowed us to carry out tasks we didn’t have the time to commit to.”
She added: “We had a very good experience working with RGU. We are currently working with a different group of students from RGU and we are keen to continue engaging with Talent Exchange.”