GCA conducted a week-long online survey to gauge the progress of the GAC Group’s learning and development strategy since launching in March 2007. The results show that there has been a strong level of satisfaction of the GCA initiative - at all levels of the organization - across all regions.

GAC personnel had a positive reaction to the quality and variety of courses offered through GCA . In comparison to a Group-wide survey in 2006, there has been significant increase in the number of people who rated learning and development opportunities as increasingly available. The survey also showed that learning outcomes from GCA courses directly supported individual performance objectives (a 14% increase from 2006).

In addition, the results showed that of the employees who partook in GCA learning and development opportunities in 2008 (34% of those surveyed), 96% enjoyed the experience, 99.8% thought it should continue and 87% said that their work performance had improved since undertaking GCA various courses.

It was very pleasing to see that participants feel a better understood the vision, goals, corporate values and GAC Spirit, felt like they belonged to the GAC family and hence, were more motivated to do their jobs. There was a strong and increasing sense of optimism about future opportunities within the company and the majority of respondents said they would recommend GAC an employer to other people. It is pleasing to see that a majority of respondents believe that GCA provides a strong incentive to remain with the company.

In conclusion, the survey results reveal that the GCA initiative has been very well embraced by GAC people, and there continues to be a strong and evolving positive attitude being a part of the GAC Group.

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It's the beginning again- the beginning of the year, the beginning of a new quarter, and for GCA, the beginning of better and bigger things for 2009. Since our launch in March 2007, GCA has strived to embody the spirit of change and progress that we hope to provide to you, and it is our intention to continue this for 2009 and beyond.

We take great pride in the feedback from the research undertaken late last year, and thank you for your contribution in supporting GAC's evolution into a learning and development savvy organistion.

Based on the valued feedback from all stakeholders, we have evolved our strategy, and are working harder to align our courses to what you, the GAC World, needs. In 2009, we are pleased to be introducing more business-specific courses. In Shipping – the GAC Shipping Business (GSB) and Shipping Agent Operations (SAO) will launch in the first half of the year. In Logistics, new courses include a range of Freight Forwarding and Sales related programmes.

As part of this evolution, we will be developing our courses to a more GAC-specific suite.

We will also be offering the ICDL self-study course for another year. Response to our first year was highly positive and over one hundred places had to be opened to accommodate demand, we're hoping for the same this year.

New products like Global English – a state of the art online programme – are currently being trialed to see their application throughout the GAC World. We look forward to keeping you posted on our progress.

Our 2009 strategy is about promoting "The GAC Way", and how and why we do the things we do. We'll be focusing on ensuring our people across the globe are aware of who we are, what we do, and most importantly – how we make money through being the smartest operators in the business.

I would like to thank you for your support over our first two years of operation, and look forward to welcoming you to our Academy in 2009.

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The International Computer Driving License, or ICDL, is the world's leading end-user computer skills certification programme, and for a second year now, is being offered to GAC employees in a self-paced study programme on the GCA learning management system.

Known in Europe as the ECDL, it is recognised as a global benchmark and is the leading certification adopted by governments, international organisations and corporations.

In other words, by studying for and passing your ICDL, you will not only become more capable of dealing with many of the computer-related tasks that you are likely to face, you will also indicate to employers that you hold a recognised, relevant and up-to-date qualification.

Who this course is for:

This limited-availability opportunity is aimed at all personnel who wish to improve their core computer skills and/or validate their competence at an internationally recognised level.

The GAC Group and GCA recognise that ICDL certification will benefit individual personnel as well as the organisation as a whole. Accordingly, we are offering scholarships (both full and partial) to encourage participation in this career-enhancing programme. Participants who have completed two or more GCA courses with a GPA of 6.0 or greater are eligible for a full scholarship.

Partial scholarships are available to employees within the GAC world, and are offered on a goodwill basis from the GAC Corporate Academy, with a minimum of ten participants per GAC operating company. Further details about availability and approval can be obtained by contacting GCA Business Development Manager Rehan Naeem.

What this course covers:

The ICDL syllabus comprises the following seven modules:

• Basic Concepts of Information Technology
• Using the Computer and Managing Files
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Databases/Filing Systems
• Presentation
• Information and Communication

How this course will be taught:

ICDL participants undertake study at a pace that suits their own preference and workload. The GAC Corporate Academy has arranged for a full complement of self-study ICDL material through SkillPort- a worldwide provider of eLearning content, and participants will have a complete year of access to the study material, exercises, simulations, and tests within.

When students have completed the course to their satisfaction, client companies will arrange testing with independent local ICDL centres.

Who to contact:

The course is open to all GAC employees, however, seats are limited and only one entry point is being offered for 2009.

For further information on the course or on the scholarship plan, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Business Development Manager - GAC Corporate Academy.

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