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Premier Knowledge Solutions Focuses on Relationships and Quality Training
New Technology Training Company Based on Old-Fashioned Principles
Reprinted with permission, Midwest Technology Journal, February 2005
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When Richard Losciale and Bill Biermann began working for a computer training franchise over 8 years ago, little did they know that they'd one day be starting a training company of their own.

Just two months ago, in December 2004, Losciale and Biermann acquired some of the assets of their former employer, Alpha Technology Concepts, Inc, formerly DBA New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. Their new company, Premier Knowledge Solutions, Inc., unites the strengths of Losciale's client relationships with Biermann's fiscal and operational knowledge, providing the essential balance for a solid company.

But what makes Premier Knowledge Solutions different isn't just their knowledge--it's the value they place on relationships, a principle that may seem old fashioned in this high-tech industry. As the name indicates, Premier Knowledge Solutions will focus on developing solutions for its clients by addressing their specific needs, such as customizing its courses, providing on-site training and continuing to expand its services.

But in this quickly changing industry, is there a place for old fashioned principles? Everyone at Premier thinks so, and their actions show it. "We are all about the student experience," explains Losciale, Premier Knowledge Solutions President. "All of our students, whether they are individuals looking to enhance their human capital worth in today's job market or the corporate citizen who is required to master technology to meet mission critical business objectives, are important." "Relationships are such a key part of business," says Losciale. "Even with all of the wireless communication options today, there's nothing like being face-to-face, especially when learning new technical skills. There's an element to personal interaction that is just essential for quality learning."

And that personal interaction comes from Premier's instructors, a key asset for providing quality training. Their commitment and dedication are apparent in their relationships with students and their length of employment, according to Derek Cisler, Director of Training and Operations. "The average length of employment here for our instructors is seven years," says Cisler. "Typically, this industry has a high turnover rate. You just don't see that kind of longevity in many places anymore."

In addition to earning industry certifications, Premier's instructors gain real-world experience as consultants and project managers outside the classroom. This helps keeps them in touch with the daily situations that arise with the practical applications in the workplace. Premier's focus on providing solutions is also demonstrated in the instructors' adaptability in the classroom. The regularly scheduled Public courses attract students from diverse work settings. The broad skill base among students in the classroom actually benefits them because it creates opportunities for instructors to demonstrate a range of applications for the subject.

While the methods and materials of Open Enrollment courses are consistent, Premier's instructors are also willing to answer students' questions or add an extra exercise if it will benefit everyone. And in cases when the question doesn't apply to other students, instructors will spend time with them over break or lunch, or after class to make sure their question is answered. Training needs have changed over the last few years, now that people have become familiar with the common software applications. "Even a few years ago, the public courses were just what many companies needed for new employees or upgrade training," says Cisler. "But now, that need is being replaced with a need for solutions specific to the situation, and companies have a higher interest in customizing courses for their business."

For instance, many employees now have a basic understanding of common applications and might even know some intermediate level "tricks." In a common office application such as Excel, for example, they might not need the first part of the course, but want to learn some skills in the next course level instead. "In those cases," says Cisler, ''we develop a training outline tailored to that client's needs to maximize their learning in the classroom, so they're spending time on the skills they'll actually use on the job."

Likewise, the interest for on-site training has increased, but companies are unaware of the options available to them. Without a good relationship with a training provider, many companies are missing the training benefits and opportunities that are available to them, and that's what Premier wants to overcome. "It's not a cookie-cutter fit for businesses anymore," says Losciale. "Companies can only use their existing technology to the extent with which they know it, and we want to help them maximize the investments they've already made in their software, hardware and employees." Having knowledgeable, well trained employees increases productivity, improves job performance and lowers turnover rates. But employers aren't always aware of the efficiency they're losing. A day of training for one employee could improve the workflow for an entire department. "You can't solve a problem you don't know you have," says Biermann. "And that's how we help--by showing clients where their technology could be utilized more effectively and the benefits they'll gain from having well trained employees who apply those skills."

One way Premier is educating businesses is through their free breakfasts and seminars. By attending these educational events, companies can learn about products and services that they otherwise might not explore until unexpected system down-time forces them. Premier is also working to build relationships with other companies, including Interchange Technologies, who provides network consulting and integration services to area businesses. The two companies jointly participated in a Microsoft Server seminar and are currently preparing for the next one on February 10. For its career students,

Premier has built key relationships with its corporate clientele and with specialists in the IT placement industry. "Last month, we had an IT recruiter who needed 9 knowledgeable IT professionals immediately," Biermann explains. "We happened to have a group of students who were both certified and qualified as a result of their education here. The recruiter knew immediately that he would find quality candidates at Premier Knowledge Solutions. As a result, seven of the nine positions were filled with Premier students."

Premier is one of Microsoft's elite Certified Partners for Learning Solutions (CPLS). Recently, Premier was presented with the U.S. Central Region Partner Excellence in Teamwork Award on January 11. "This was truly a teamwork award," explains Losciale. "It was not an award about a building, books, a super individual, or anything tangible. It was about our employees, our clients and our business partners who make the entire student experience possible." Even in a high-tech industry, old fashioned values still go a long way. Reprinted with permission, Midwest Technology Journal, February 2005 For more information, visit www.PremierKnowledgeSolutions.com or call 314-733-1412 .

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