And although training isn't directly linked to promotions, bonuses are linked to meeting goals in the company's business strategy. What puts it all together, Allen says, is a software package that tracks registration and completion of training classes online. The training tool lets managers make sure their employees are reaching their training goals, and employees can use the system to search the available course offerings to find those that meet their needs. Soon, the system even will tell IT employees what classes they need in order to change positions within the department for example, to move from Cobol programming to a different environment. TI's training department later uses its online database to survey employees about how they're using their newly acquired skills on the job.
Trainers also coach managers on ways to follow up on individual development plans.
Although the companies on our top 25 list may not link training directly to compensation, they make it clear that results count. It's difficult to quantify the success of a training program. But something is clearly working at Coors, Barros says. He manages all IT department training at the brewing company's Boulder, Colo., headquarters. Barros says employees continue to improve because of good training practices.