The Company-Specific Programmes (CSP) are developed by Solvay Lifelong Learning with a precise aim: to get as close as possible to companies and to define their training needs with them. The fact that these programmes are grounded in the company's reality guarantees their effectiveness and relevance.
Our unique approach goes beyond standardised solutions, offering the flexibility to adapt both the content and format to match the specific needs and context of each organisation. Whether delivered in classroom settings, hybrid formats, or intermittent sessions, CSPs are designed to fit seamlessly into the customer’s operational environment, fostering sustainable growth and long-term impact.
The rapid evolution of management techniques and the acute competition in the market is such that it is impossible to imagine not developing the skills of managers today. Professional training throughout one's career has become essential to adapt to ever-changing challenges.
We met with Patrick Ceulemans, CSP's Academic Director for General Management, to learn more about the specifics of these training pieces.
The CSPs, which have been in existence for over ten years, are continually adapted to meet the specific needs of each company and the latest advancements in academic research. These programmes are developed according to the concrete priorities of the companies but are also continuously improved by integrating feedback from participants and dynamic learning techniques.
This design of the content is the philosophy of these courses, which accompany companies in their response to management challenges. The goal is to enable trainees to acquire or develop knowledge and skills based on their professional practice and then apply the new concepts and tools in their daily activities. "This desire to take root is a fundamental priority for these training programmes," says Patrick Ceulemans.
This personalised approach naturally aligns with our long-term partnerships with corporates and federations. Many organisations return to these programmes year after year, ensuring continuity in their training efforts while adapting the content to meet the needs of new audiences or evolving requirements. By fostering these ongoing relationships, we provide a consistent and tailored learning experience that extends beyond the classroom, enabling companies to integrate training into their long-term development strategies and achieve sustainable impact.
During the CSPs, the groups of participants are formed in a way that allows for interactions and exchanges between them, while maintaining a close link with the trainers. These programmes are personalised, with individual coaching provided to assess the trainee's knowledge at the beginning and to evaluate their progress at the end. The training begins with materials designed to enhance entry-level skills and continues beyond the course with access to online content. The classes last from one to ten days and are grouped in blocks of a few days. They are compatible with continued professional activity.
This personalised approach naturally aligns with our long-term partnerships with corporates and federations.
These training courses play a crucial role in the internal mobility of executives, whether by enabling them to develop their core knowledge or by allowing them to acquire cross-functional knowledge. For example, taking on additional responsibilities may require learning about several disciplines, such as finance, marketing, or human resources, among others.
"Lifelong learning is one of the main challenges for companies,"
explains Ceulemans, for whom "adapting the skills of managers is a fundamental issue". In addition to facilitating the evolution of executives towards higher hierarchical positions, training allows them to respond more flexibly to new management methods. Indeed, executives are increasingly required to manage cross-functional projects that necessitate acquiring broad knowledge. Identifying these new needs has become crucial.
Both university professors and professional practitioners teach the CSPs. This blend enables the combination of a research-based approach with practical field knowledge, thereby integrating theory and practice to achieve a comprehensive global perspective on the disciplines. This comprehensive teaching format is a key feature of Solvay Lifelong Learning.
The CSP methodology is agile, combining various teaching techniques to make the transmission of knowledge more dynamic, including lectures, seminars, site visits, and other methods. Coaching and work groups allow participants to put into practice what they have learned by anchoring the newly acquired knowledge into their daily professional practice.
Our CSP Team is available to discuss your company's needs and propose a training project that will empower your people to evolve and put their best foot forward. Shoot us an email at csp@solvay.edu to start your company's journey!