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Premier Knowledge Solutions
The Human Side of Technology
Reprinted with permission, Midwest Technology Journal, April 2005

Sometimes the value of personal interaction just can't be replaced, even when it comes to technology training-and that's just one feature that the owners at Premier Knowledge Solutions believe makes this school different. The name says it best: Premier Knowledge Solutions helps solve technology and training "problems" by providing customized training options for its clients.

Recently, in December 2004, Richard Losciale and Bill Biermann acquired some of the assets of their former employer, Alpha Technology Concepts, Inc. formerly DBA New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. With a combined total of 18 years experience in the technology training industry, Losciale and Biermann value the center's staff as one of its greatest assets.

"Even in the technology industry, quality learning involves that human element," explains Losciale, Premier Knowledge Solutions President. "Interacting with other students and instructors provides learning opportunities that only a classroom setting can provide, and our instructors have years of teaching experience to capitalize on those benefits for students."

Non-traditional training methods, such as online training, offer benefits to individuals with specific needs, and in many cases, supplement classroom learning. However, the traditional classroom setting provides opportunities for students to ask questions or have information re-explained in a way that online courses cannot provide.

In some cases, when students do not understand something but refrain from asking questions, instructor-led training provides them the greatest benefit. Premier's instructors have the teaching experience to recognize and address students' non-verbal cues. When an instructor sees a puzzled face, he or she can clarify the information or adjust the pace of the class without waiting for the student to ask a question.

But not only do the instructors have years of teaching experience, they have several years of experience working together for the same company, which is just another benefit for Premier's students.

Unlike many schools who contract the majority of their IT instructors as needed, Premier Knowledge Solutions has six full-time instructors. Although many of Premier's instructors are certified to teach the same courses, they each have their own niche, or core area of specialty. According to Derek Cisler, Director of Training and Operations, this benefits both the instructors and the students in several ways.

"Every instructor has a different skill set and teaching preference," explains Cisler, "but many schools focus only on the range of courses an instructor is certified to teach, and while we ensure a variety of courses at Premier, we also encourage our instructors to develop and teach courses in their specialty areas."

This simple philosophy has a ripple effect. When instructors recognize their strengths and teach their skill sets, they enjoy what they do and continue to seek educational opportunities to improve their knowledge base and develop their skills even further. This enthusiasm shows in their classes because they are teaching courses within their specialty areas.

"This approach also helps by providing continuity to our students and our clients," says Cisler. "Because the instructors have their own niche areas, our clients become familiar with the instructors as our relationships develop. For many clients, this provides the reassurance they're looking for. They know they'll get consistent, quality training every time, whether it is in a public, open enrollment course, or a customized course on-site."

Doug Doyle, an applications instructor for Premier for over seven years, knows how the importance of continuity for clients, particularly when he provides on-site training. Doyle has provided training for several state agencies over the years and his familiarity with their systems makes training easier for everyone.

"In many cases when I train on-site, I train from existing documents or templates," Doyle explains. "Because I've developed a relationship with the client over the years, I can provide training specific to their internal needs."

Although having instructor specialties has many benefits, Premier Knowledge Solutions also recognizes the necessity for those specialties to overlap so they do not become too specialized.

"Because we offer so many types of courses in so many locations, cross- training our instructors is extremely important," says Cisler. "We might have one instructor teaching on-site for a client for a week, while another instructor teaches the same courses at our facility. If an instructor is ill, another certified instructor on staff can teach the course. By cross-training our instructors, we ensure a more thorough schedule and consistent staff for our students."

By providing instructor-led training along with online learning tools, Premier Knowledge Solutions offers several options for its clients and students. "Every client has a unique set of needs," explains Premier Vice President Bill Biermann. "By recognizing those needs and tailoring our clients' training options, we create customized learning solutions that will benefit them the most."

"Premier Knowledge Solutions may be a new name in St. Louis," says Biermann, "but the name says it all."

Reprinted with permission, Midwest Technology Journal, February 2005 For more information, visit www.PremierKnowledgeSolutions.com or call 314-733-1412 .

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