This Guide illustrates how training and skills development could successfully be developed and implemented in small and medium-sized companies despite both the internal and external barriers SMEs face in this context.

Based on a number of thematic topics, this Guide starts with the typical challenges SMEs regularly face when it comes to training and skills development. The Guide describes how to cope with them and develop innovative and successful solutions, e.g.:

• Improving • the framework conditions of training and skills development – overcoming organisational barriers and obstacles for training; unlocking financial means to support training activities; developing a forward-looking HR and skills development policy.
• Developing suitable methods and techniques of training – training methods that are based on the specific needs of micro and small enterprises.
• Addressing current and structural challenges of competence development – such as the competition for qualified personnel, which is increasing, especially with regard to demographic change.