Small Business and Online Training in Australia : Who is Willing to Participate?

The characteristics of Australian employers in smallbusiness who wish to engage in online training are examined. Using data from astudy conducted to evaluate a specific training program for small businessesthat have operated in Western Australia since 2000, 716 employers wereconsidered. The data were collected through self-administeredquestionnaires. Results indicate that the higher the level of education of the employer, themore likely the employer is to participate in online training, to useinformation technology, and to have this training as part of a written businessplan. A further finding is that females are more likely than males to havetraining as part of the business plan and to send their employees to training.Training that addresses specific needs is viewed as most beneficial to smallbusinesses. Employers who wish to expand their businesses indicate anunderstanding that training is an important part of this growth, as it allowsthem to bring in additional skills. The use of online training by smallbusiness employers requires the employers to recognize the need for training aswell as possessing a desire to participate in such training.(SRD)