GAC, SkillSoft and Catalyst – global partners for a global academy

8 May 2007 - Global shipping, logistics, and marine services provider GAC Group has partnered with eLearning content provider SkillSoft and Moodle partner Catalyst to create its online global training academy, GAC Corporate Academy (GCA).

The idea for GCA was first developed in early 2006 as part of the company's ongoing globalisation strategy.  Following an in-depth analysis of GAC's human resource development requirements and extensive research of the best eLearning options available, SkillSoft and Catalyst were chosen as the ideal partners. 

SkillSoft is one of the largest and most professional eLearning content providers in the world.  Their courseware is used extensively by the most progressive companies who have greatly benefited from the power and flexibility of eLearning.

"In today's fast-paced and rapidly changing global business environment, there is a real need for organisations to continuously upgrade the knowledge and skills of their people.  That's why it is great to see progressive organisations like GAC taking leadership in their industry to ensure personnel are equipped with cutting edge professional development," said Kevin Young, General Manager of SkillSoft, EMEA. 

He added "Our research has shown that when employees are given the opportunity to develop their careers, they are significantly more productive and more likely to remain loyal to that company.  In the future, online learning will form the single, largest part of most organisations' training."

Given GAC's geographic spread, it was important to source a cost effective and flexible eLearning platform.  Moodle (Modular Object-Orientated Dynamic Learning Environment) is the fastest growing open source Learning Management System.  An Internet-based system, it is used all over the world by universities, schools, companies and independent teachers.

"New Zealand is one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to eLearning and open source technologies," said Damien O'Donoghue, GCA's General Manager.

He added "New Zealand-based Catalyst has extensive experience with Moodle and we were impressed by the number of higher education establishments that work with them."

Mike O'Connor, Director, Catalyst said "GCA supports a truly global user base and it has been a new and worthwhile challenge to architect their Moodle to deliver a consistently efficient and robust service across all geographical regions."

Damien O'Donoghue said: "We have had an overwhelming response to the GCA from both employees and suppliers alike, since its launch on 28 February 2007.  Our first courses began in March and because of the enthusiastic responses, we are already increasing our capability to support demand."

GAC hopes to eventually provide access to its GCA courses to partners, customers and other stakeholders who wish to benefit from state-of-the-art courses focusing on aspects of shipping, logistics and marine.