ContextResearch states that 59% of SMEs do not undertake any formal training activities (European Commission 2003). This project found that despite attempts to make learning more flexible SMEs have a preference for informal learning, however they feel it has a number of constraints. In particular due to its unstructured nature informal learning makes it difficult to identify if the employee acquired the skills and often there are a lack of staff to develop external skills. The project explored the use of Problem Based Learning (PBL) in structuring informal training in SMEs and allowing companies to leverage off of external expertise. It produced a collaborative ICT platform and two modules (one accredited) to allow SMEs to use problem based learning in their organisations.ObjectivesThe main objectives of the project achieved were:• Identify the common methods of learning in SMEs, barriers to learning and the problems SMEs face on a daily basis• Develop an organizational PBL framework with effective support mechanisms such as mentoring • Create a curriculum and online learning material to train trainers in companies to facilitate PBL.• Create a curriculum and online learning material for staff in SMEs.• Accredit the training course and recognition of such forms of learning in one Higher Education institute in Europe• Test training in 180 SMEs.• Create a learner-mentor network supported by an IT platform.• Develop a transferability model for other companies. ParticipantsSix partners from Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Portugal and Romania collaborated on the project, each of these partners has close links with thousands of SMEs and HEIs and have experience in research projects concerning learning in SMEs ActivitiesThe main activities of the project are concerned with:- Gaining an understanding of current learning practices in SMEs- Evaluating past and current research in the area of learning in SMEs and Problem based learning-Examination of past and current research on the use of ICT tools in supporting informal learning and PBL-Development of a handbook on how SMEs can use PBL (A tutor handbook has also been developed)-Development of an ICT platform to support PBL -Development of two courses on PBL and mentoring for PBL-Creation of a network of SME learners, mentors and HEI experts in PBLMethodology The project was concerned with producing high quality research that is focused on the practical needs of the SME and SME organizations. There was extensive research conducted into the learning needs of SMEs, problems they face and how to exploit ICT for learning purposes. SMEs collaborated with the consortium by conducting surveys, interviews, evaluating outputs and providing feedback to improve these. High quality research was achieved by providing a workpackage methodology with detailed quality objectives for collaborative workpackages. The training outputs were accredited by academic institutes and the project partners will continue to work with VET\HEIs to accredit further courses.Result-Report on Informal Learning, Problem Based Learning and the use of ICT for Learning in European SMEs-Handbook to inform SMEs of how they can use PBL, a tutor handbook has also been developed-Two online courses on PBL for business professionals and facilitating PBL-Creation of a learner network with 180 members-Development of an ICT platform to support PBLImpact-180 SMEs undertook the modules- There are 192 members of the learner network-Three journal publications, three conference papers and one book chapter have been developed to inform academic audience of how PBL can be adopted for workbased learning and a third will be developed in the coming months- Three newspaper articles have been published during the project and 4 after the project ended-Accredited programme which will aim to recruit 40 students from SMEs per year on an ongoing basis -The consortium have identified two potential projects on Problem based learning to submit in 2018.Long term benefits- Provides a platform for SMEs to share problems (In the pilot several SMEs stated that they would refer to the platform on a regular basis)- Improve the competitiveness of European SMEs (92% of those that took part in the pilot felt the programme benefited them in some way, 46% solved a long standing problem and 46% expected to see a number of benefits in the coming months)- Attracts SMEs into formal education programmes by providing a 'taster' module were they can see the immediate benefit of training- Provide a research platform for further collaboration between HEIs\VETs and SMEs (2 projects are being proposed, a knowledge alliance and strategic partnership, in addition an event was held in Ireland on 'The role education can play in supporting small business')-Allow HEIs to reach a wider audience, attract SME learners-Methodology for accrediting informal learning-Structured method for SMEs to solve problems