But training is often one of the first areas to be hit when budgets are being squeezed. However, the FiT team is keen to dispel any idea that the training program is being introduced to make up for shortcomings among finance staff. We have not made sure that the training was up to standard with the complexity and requirements of our systems and that it was the right type of training that people needed in order to do a flawless job. The first three FiT courses are designed to educate junior staff in basic Philips processes. In all cases, decisions on which courses are to be taught, and when, will be made together with the product divisions.
FiT advocates a flexible approach to training.
Employees work together with their immediate managers to pick and choose the courses they want to follow. In this way they have the chance to map out their career path within Philips. As an added impetus, training will be provided regionally as FiT has been deliberately designed to have a local flavor. Each region will choose a prime trainer whose job it will be to become familiar with the course material and educate local trainers appointed from Philips staff. This process is already under way, with the first 'train the trainer' session having been held in April.