International award recognizes CLL's commitment to workplace learning

It's a top 10 placement for the BJC Center for LifeLong Learning (CLL) among its business peers.

The CLL was ranked No. 1 in health care and No. 8 overall among 93 companies in the 2009 American Society of Training and Development’s (ASTD) 2009 BEST (Building talent, Enterprisewide, Supported by the organization's leaders who foster a Thorough learning culture) awards. The CLL finished ahead of household names such as CIGNA and Whirlpool, while finishing in the top 10 along with Sun Microsystems. Companies from 10 countries vied for the top rankings.

This is the second time the CLL has been honored by the ASTD. BEST awards recognize organizations that demonstrate enterprisewide success through employee learning and development.

“It's an honor for BJC to be recognized globally by the ASTD as an organization that can demonstrate the value of continuous learning through the workplace,” says JoAnn Shaw, BJC vice president and chief learning officer. “As the cornerstone of employee personal and professional development under the BJC Learning Institute, the CLL and our staff are continually challenged to assess BJC's learning needs, develop solutions and incorporate new technologies into the learning experience.”

Formed in 2003, the CLL focuses on building a culture of continuous learning within BJC by developing learning systems and effective partnerships with both internal and external entities. Modeling a corporate university concept in a health care setting, the CLL strives to prepare employees at all levels for the skills they need in a constantly changing workplace.

“The ASTD BEST Award winners set the standard of excellence for exceptional learning practices, and demonstrate that a skilled workforce is vital to achieving results,” says Tony Bingham, ASTD president and CEO. “They use learning as a strategic tool and have the support of senior leaders who champion a learning culture.”

Established in 1944, ASTD is the world's largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance professionals. Members come from more than 100 countries and connect locally in 136 chapters in the United States and 25 global networks.