Accenture Learning, RWD Technologies, GeoLearning and GeneralPhysica are amongst the top 20 companies in the training outsourcing industry according to the fourth annual report by TrainingOutsourcing.com (See Table 1 for the entire list). New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, Intrepid Learning Solutions and New Horizons Computer Learning Centers are the three new entrants this time.

Interestingly, amongst these top 20 providers, 16 are American companies. The rest four are Canada-based Innovatia, U.K.-based KnowledgePool, and India-based Aptech Worldwide and NIIT.

Training outsourcing providers are aggressively taking steps to strengthen their training capabilities. “We are planning to increase our total headcount, which presently stands at 100, to 270 by the end of 2007,” says Rajiv Tandon, CEO, Adayana — one of the top 20 training service providers in the list. “These new recruits will work from our India center. We have also signed a strategic partnership with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to train several million workers over the next decade for employability in the automotive sector.”  

The study also named 14 global emerging players of this industry. Of these Talent2International – Bized Services (Australia), Genpact (India), Hemsley Fraser and Business Training Partnership (both in the U.K.) are the only companies that work out of the U.S. (See Table 2 for other winners).

These companies were evaluated on the basis of their experience in managing multiyear training Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) contracts, financial stability, geographical reach, potential of growth and the extent of impact on training BPO industry.

Last month CIGNA awarded a training services contract to General Physics, one of the top 20 training services providers. General Physics will provide a broad range of capabilities to meet the immediate and strategic needs of CIGNA University, including a SumTotal Learning Management System, training administration support, help desk and vendor management. The duration and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Table 1

2007 Top 20 Training Outsourcing Service Providers

Accenture Learning

RWD Technologies

GeoLearning

General Physics

NIIT

Element K

Adayana

IBM Learning Solutions

Delta College

Raytheon Professional Services

ACS

Aptech Worldwide

Convergys

Global Knowledge Intrepid Learning Solutions

Innovatia

SkillSoft

Lionbridge

Expertus

KnowledgePool

Development Dimensions International

 Source: TraniningOutsourcing.com

Table 2