There is also an extensive library section, containing details of over 300 training-related books; relevant reference articles and magazines in pdf form; regular columns by industry gurus such as Brandon Hall, as well as best practice guidelines.

For those who want to know more about the books on the site, there are links to Amazon.com; while the best practice guidelines include not only those of the IITT but also standards published by organisations such as CompTIA and worldwide industry standards such as SCORM.

All IITT members will be able to join the most relevant of the IITT’s five Connect Groups: training providers; training managers; freelance trainers; trainers, and educationalists.

Colin Steed, the IITT’s chief executive, explained: “Training providers will be able to access lists of contracts that have been won; while training managers will be able to use their site to find accredited training providers and freelance trainers. Naturally, all IITT members will adhere to a code of conduct that will prevent them from abusing the system – moreover, it is not possible to use this system for, say, training providers to market their products and services to training managers.”

One of the key benefits of the Connect Groups is that they will encourage networking – either virtually, through virtual meetings using Centra software as well as email, or to allow physical meetings to be arranged regionally by members of the same group.

“The Connect Groups should encourage our members to help both themselves and their colleagues by meeting regularly to discuss issues and, perhaps, arranging to collaborate on projects,” Steed added. “In the future, there is nothing to stop other groups of institute members – such as those working within a particular sector, such as the NHS or Defence – from starting their own Connect Group.”

The IITT’s Connect Groups are under the editorship of former IT Training journalist, Annie Garfoot, while the Groups’ current co-ordinators are:

· Ron Orme – for the training providers

· Richard Malam, of Centrica – for the training managers

· Jooli Atkins – for freelance trainers

“And – importantly – the institute is able to provide all these extra resources to its members at no extra cost,” said Steed.

For further details of the IITT’s Connect Groups, visit www.training-connect.com or access the Groups from the IITT’s website (www.iitt.org.uk)