Employers need to learn lessons

I was delighted to see the important topic of training and development highlighted on your pages (MW August 3). However, I was concerned at some of the Luddite attitudes expressed. Is it really the responsibility of colleges to be more selective about who they accept?

The relationship between a person and their job is an extremely complex cocktail; a mix of learning/knowledge, aptitude, behavioural style and motivation. Academic qualifications are a poor predictor of success in a role.

It is the failure of organisations to have adequate selection methods that is the root cause of high staff turnover and drop-out rates from courses. Selecting the right person requires that the job’s demands are understood, and the closest possible fit between person and job achieved. If we invest in getting the right

people in the right job, evidence shows that job tenure and success on courses increase, not to mention client satisfaction.

Roy Davis

Head of communications

SHL Group

Thames Ditton

Surrey