Learning hub for businesses in Asia-Pacific launches

Over 200 000 people have so far benefitted from the activity-based and peer learning programs delivered by the organization together with its partners. PHOTO: ImageCollab

A new website launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on 13 November provides a range of free training materials to promote sustainable enterprises and create more and better jobs. The Peer Learning Hub for Enterprises in the Asia-Pacific (learninghub.ilo.org) is a platform providing training materials and information related to the ILO’s activity-based and peer learning programs implemented in the Asia-Pacific.

Charles Bodwell, enterprise development specialist for Asia and the Pacific at the ILO, says the hub allows partners, providers and beneficiaries to access key resources online and training materials on the site have been developed by individuals from ILO enterprise development initiatives. He says areas covered include soft skills for businesses, youth entrepreneurship, a factory-improvement toolset, small business competitiveness, community-based enterprise development, and growth of cooperatives. According to Bodwell, over 200 000 people have so far benefitted from the activity-based and peer learning programs delivered by the organization together with its partners. He says in the past, trainings have taken place in-person, helping equip participants with the necessary skills for business success and professional development.

Due to COVID-19 some of the activity-based trainings have been adapted to take place online, while taking into account the changing needs and expectations of enterprises and stakeholders alike. New training modules and important updates will be published on the Peer Learning Hub as the ILO continues to adapt and evaluate how best to support enterprises at this time.

“The ILO’s peer learning tools were developed with our partners in mind, both in terms of the communities they support as well as their own resource constraints and capacity. Given the broad need for support of micro and small businesses across the region, the peer learning approach is designed for scale and ease of introduction, addressing a range of target groups,” says Bodwell.