ICS Group makes employees digitally skilled with a tailor-made program

Cleaners from ICS Group developed their digital skills with a tailor-made program The eight hundredAfter six lessons they have their practice statement In the pocket. HR manager Annemiek de Jong of the company is very pleased with the program. "It perfectly matched the needs of our employees."

ICS Groep is a facility services provider whose core business is cleaning. The company employs 2700 people throughout the Netherlands. Its headquarters are in Eindhoven. "We consider the development of our people very important," says Annemiek. "Especially in terms of digital skills, given the digital transformations in society. We train people to use our systems, but we also believe it's important that they can conduct their business securely online. Because whether it's planning your train journey, banking, or contacting your municipality, almost everything is done digitally these days."

Demand-driven

The company was therefore happy to participate in the "Sterker in het Werk" pilot program, the customized development programs offered by De Achthonderd (Eight Hundred). Annemiek: "First, we internally identified which colleagues were eligible. It was important that they spoke Dutch and lived in the Eindhoven region. We then contacted candidates in writing and by phone to determine their learning needs in this area. Ultimately, nine employees started the program."

General skills

Based on the participants' needs, the training content was determined in collaboration with the instructors. "The program consisted of six days of classes, each lasting approximately two hours. Participants learned general skills, such as working with Word and search engines, composing and sending business emails, and safe online use. In addition, one day was reserved for instruction on our own employee app. Employees can use it to view their schedules and submit expense reports, as well as find the latest news from our organization and our own ICS Marketplace 'I Can Share.'"

Enthusiastic

According to Annemiek, the participants were happy with the training program. "They now find their way in the digital world more easily and confidently." She also looks back on the program with satisfaction. "The instructors are engaged and enthusiastic, and the intake process went smoothly. The great thing about this program is that it's customized. The course material is truly tailored to the participants' needs. It was also great that the lessons could be held at our office. This makes it more accessible for participants."

Tips

Annemiek highly recommends this customized program to companies in the Eindhoven region. "You'll help your employees develop themselves." Her advice: "Approach your employees personally. Make it clear in a conversation what they'll gain from it, that it's not mandatory and not necessarily work-related. It's also important that they have a say in the content, that it's accessible, and that employees can take the lessons entirely or partially during working hours."