The E-assessment of Learning Needs in SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) is a pilot project which has been part funded by the European Union’s Leonardo Da Vinci programme. 

The aim of the project has been to improve SMEs’ ability to analyse their learning/training needs and select appropriate learning strategies, enabling them to engage in continuous learning and improve vocational training, using e-learning, blended learning, on-the-job learning and informal learning methods. Target audiences include trainers, informal trainers, training developers and business advisors with a training service remit that work with e-learning and learners in SMEs. Trainers potentially range from small businesses, private training consultancies, further and higher education and supply chain environments. Other target groups include careers advisors, educationalists, researchers, employers and employees in SMEs and some larger companies and business advisors working with e-learning and learners in SMEs.

The project has created an online diagnostic tool which is used as part of a 'learning strategy model' which promotes the use of effective and innovative methods for training and learning, good practices and benchmark data for SMEs.

The Online Skills and Competence Analysis Tool (OSCAT) has been developed to assess the learning needs of employees within companies by means of a questionnaire. Using the data collected, training and development specialists can then establish training programmes using the most appropriate methods to meet the employees’ needs. By using this method to identify skills and competence gaps, continuous development can become more accessible to smaller businesses and their trainers can more easily and quickly identify individuals’ needs and provide the appropriate training. These training requirements may often be addressed in-house, using mentoring, e-learning or informal learning, all of which can be more effective for small businesses and less costly.
OSCAT has been developed by the project partnership which consists of organisations and individuals with expertise in lifelong learning and education, research, evaluation, multi-media, design, business development and support. OSCAT has been evaluated and tested by experts and SMEs from different sectors in six European partner countries.
It is envisaged that the software will be a flexible tool so that it can be used for a range of purposes (for example climate surveys, assessment and evaluation) in various industry sectors across Europe, such as schools and universities or health care where e-learning and e-processes are increasingly being used.

Oscat for Specialist Industries
Oscat for use by the Creative Industries (content developed by University College for the Creative Arts)
http://www.oscat.eu