Top 6 Takeaways from Skillsoft’s Lean into Learning 2023 Report

Continuous learning and development have become indispensable in the modern workplace. Why? It’s the best way for companies to drive long-term success and foster organisational resilience. With technology evolving at breakneck speed, and disruptive forces building and reshaping industries, staying ahead of the curve has never been more critical. What lies at the heart of this transformation? Empowering your teams to learn.

Skillsoft have released its latest Lean into Learning report, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest trends shaping the landscape of learning and development. Here are our top takeaways:

1. Gen AI: Teams need to embrace this ‘Great Disruptor’

According to Deloitte, 94% of executives believe AI will be critical to business success in the next five years. With Gen AI bringing digital fluency and innovation to the forefront, organisations need to redefine what skills are needed to stay competitive and meet evolving customer demands. In this environment, learning becomes more than just a way to increase knowledge —it becomes a bridge to the roles of the future.

With Gen AI driving digital fluency and innovation, there’s a pressing need to redefine skill requirements to remain competitive and meet the evolving demands of customers, and upskill teams to harness this emergency technology effectively. Skillsoft’s report showed a surging demand for AI and machine learning expertise. This emphasises the mindset shift underway in the skills landscape. It’s crucial for teams to embrace AI skill development to navigate the challenges —and opportunities— of the future world of work.

2. Certifications are paving the path to success

In today’s competitive job market, certifications have emerged as a powerful differentiator for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and career prospects. Skillsoft’s report underscores the growing significance of certifications, with 97% of IT leaders acknowledging that having certified staff actually makes the business more valuable. Moreover, Skillsoft’s data indicates a significant uptick in the number of certifications held by IT professionals, with the average rising from four to nearly seven.

According to Skillsoft’s survey, certification holders report improvements in work quality, increased engagement, and enhanced productivity, underscoring the real-world advantages of certification in driving success —for both individuals and organisations. In an increasingly competitive technological space, certifications will be the key differentiator between novice practitioners and seasoned professionals, offering a clear pathway to success and recognition in the field.

3. Cybersecurity Training: safeguarding against evolving threats

Although not a new focus area, Skillsoft’s report showed that a focus on cybersecurity isn’t going anywhere. It’s gone from being a problem for the “tech guys” to now being a responsibility for all team members to uphold high cybersecurity standards.

The report highlighted the critical need for comprehensive training programs to mitigate risks and safeguard sensitive data. With the proliferation of AI-driven cyber threats, organisations must prioritise cybersecurity education to stay ahead of malicious actors and protect their digital assets from novel —and fast advancing— threats.

4. Instructor-Led training becomes central to the learning experience

Blending digital learning content with instructor-led training presents a compelling opportunity to deepen understanding and proficiency in complex subjects. As highlighted in Skillsoft’s report, the increasing demand for instructor-led training underscores the recognition of the irreplaceable value of human interaction in the learning journey. Certain topics need face-to-face interaction to solidify learning —an often overlooked aspect in an increasingly digital landscape. This blended learning approach enables businesses to effectively align with their strategic objectives while accommodating learners’ preferences, ultimately fostering a more engaged and successful workforce.

5. A rising need for fundamental technology skills

As organisations increasingly rely on cloud services and emerging technologies, it’s no surprise that fundamental technical skills like networking and server management are gaining more traction. These foundational skills serve as the backbone of modern IT infrastructure, enabling teams to build robust and scalable systems that support their business operations.

What’s more, a strong grasp of networking and server management principles lays the groundwork for exploring more advanced technologies and innovative solutions in the future. In essence, investing in fundamental technical skills is not only essential for meeting immediate business needs but also for fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation that drives long-term success.

6. Balancing technical prowess with on-point ‘Power Skills’

While technology skills are crucial, power skills such as creativity, agility, and resilience are equally essential for success in the digital age. By investing in a balanced blend of technical and power skills development, organisations can position themselves for growth and resilience in an ever-changing world. Better leadership leads to better outcomes —so invest in your team to help future-proof your organisation.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re wanting to learn more about the latest data surrounding training and development, take a look at Skillsoft’s full report: Lean into Learning.

Putting it into practice

How can you put these insights into practice? It starts with a commitment to training and development. Each of these key insights are based on skills — skills that can be learned.

Bespoke is the premier training partner for organisations wanting to train their team in the cloud. With expert instructor-led training available across a range of specialities and functions —from fundamentals up to advanced technical courses —we help organisations to embark on a transformative learning journey that empowers their workforce and propels them towards a brighter future.

Give your team the skills they need to succeed. Get in touch with our team today to put together a learning pathway tailored to your organisation’s goals.