The strong trend that we have been observing for the last few years is the development of career training programs. These, unlike  "corporate universities" which are more focused towards directors and upper management, are instead focused on the development of a key part of business for the company. They are therefore a place of organizational learning for the different job communities across the board. We have seen the development of new forms of teaching.   A first example is of a method based on "experiential learning" described by David Kolb.  There is also of course blended learning that integrates modules of e-learning and classroom teaching, sessions of co-development between peer groups solving real problems, and individual coaching. The Management School in the mail department of La Poste Group has implemented particularly innovative programs for its supervisors, with a hands-on approach to good management at the heart of its training programs. At France Telecom Orange, there has been a rapid increase in learning through collaboration, driven by their career training programs, which allow employees to share tips and solutions throughout the year, well after the training session.
 
The training field is in motion. Whether it’s to train tomorrow's managers in leadership, to identify and retain talent, to be the instrument of GPEC, or to recognize and motivate individuals to work, these universities and training programs are part of an obvious logic of a new method in business management.
 
The term "university" is different from school or in-house training center.  It carries a commitment to integration and universality of disciplines that help one another grow and develop. The company is then able to assimilate the new knowledge that impacts product lines and services, while allowing individuals to learn these new ideas for innovation, creating value for the company and its employees.
 
All this assumes that corporate universities are not too closed off and continue to grow through the many external partnerships of expertise.
 
This is one of the roles of our consulting business, led by Caroline Maujonnet, dedicated to corporate universities and career training programs.   Demos helps them in their creation, organization, educational choices, and offers a permanent benchmarking with other corporate universities of the same type. Knowledge, here more than ever, is in action and at the heart of creating value for the company and its employees.