|
Sun's employee learning initiative aims to enable inexperienced employees to perform like experts from the start and to help our experts keep their edge. Employee learning is based on individual requirements, and we use technology wherever possible to enhance the experience.
Much of our employee learning and development is work-based, giving employees interesting tasks that stretch their abilities and allow them to stay at the cutting edge of their field. Managers help create environments where learning is valued and encouraged every day. We create incentives for people to learn from each other both formally and informally. In addition, we provide a range of classes, programs, and resources that provide learning support for everyone at Sun.
In fiscal 2009, our internal training program will be revamped into an integrated development plan for employees at all levels of the company. This will acknowledge the dual career paths available to Sun employees — management and technical. We aspire to provide great technical training for professionals who are not managers and management training for those who choose that path. We're also developing tools that can help employees work with their managers to choose the best career path.
Employee Training and Development
Sun Learning Services (SLS) is our in-house training and development department. Its primary responsibility is to provide learning that empowers our employees, partners, and global communities. In 2008, SLS won a Training magazine for
our Digital Library Content Integration and Findability: Strategic Informal Learning and Social Networking project.
MyLearning Web Site
Sun's personalized approach to learning is exemplified by our MyLearning Web site, an online hub of consistent and up-to-date information on the latest learning opportunities. These include:
- Free, online professional development and technical courses that employees can take at their own pace, anytime, from anywhere
- Instructor-led training
- Resources of all types, including market research, technical and engineering information, and marketing and business information
- Defined curriculums for many of the types of work at Sun
|
Other training and development opportunities include:
- Mentoring at Sun, a 10-year-old global program that aims to increase effectiveness, cross-functional knowledge and teamwork, and productivity and employee engagement. We also offer specialized mentoring programs for specific groups. The Sun Engineering Enrichment and Development (SEED) program, a worldwide program for our engineers, is one example.
- The Technical Leadership Assessment program, which identifies emerging technology leaders from across the company. These employees receive developmental feedback from current leaders and are matched with mentors to help sharpen their skills.
Leadership Development
Sun invests heavily in our leadership development initiative, known internally as the Sun Leadership Academy. We recognize the critical role leaders play in engaging employees and producing results. Key Leadership Academy activities in fiscal 2008 included:
- Leadership Connections: Developed in 2008, this is a week-long executive development program that combines experiential learning, coaching sessions, and assessments to build attendees' leadership potential. The program received very positive feedback and will be expanded in fiscal 2009.
- Leadership courses: In 2008, we partnered with leading consulting firms to develop three new leadership courses. These are highly interactive and use a combination of online preparation, live sessions, and post-workshop activities.
|
