Richard Rayne launched Onsite Training in 2001 with a R20 000 loan. It’s a tech training company that sends trainers to clients’ premises rather than bringing their staff to an off-site venue, which is expensive and disruptive. He was fresh out of varsity, having completed a BCom in information systems, and wanted to offer personalised instructor-led training that was different from generic classroom-based training.
“Our training is designed to meet the needs of individuals, according to their skills and pace of learning,” he says. “Training is delivered in manageable sessions spread over a few days, allowing for greater absorption of knowledge and an opportunity to practice new skills after each session.”
The uptake has been excellent, with organisations like BP, the South African Police Service, MWeb, Multichoice, BHP Billiton and Transnet forming the bulk of his customers.
As a result of these successes, Rayne recently launched an online offering for the consumer market called iLearn.
The company has delivered instructor led courses to more than 60 000 people, and has sold 300 online courses since its launch. That translates into 20% year-on-year growth for the last five years.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “If you don’t possess a positive, never-say-die attitude, rather get a job. It’s a good idea to find an experienced business coach who can guide you along a sometimes lonely journey.”
Vital stats
Player: Richard Rayne
Company: iLearn
Launched: 2001
Contact: 0861 ONSITE;onsitetraining.co.za
0861 ILEARN;ilearn.co.za