~ acquiring new skills boosts staff
retention and demonstrates training ROI ~
12 May 2010 – Wokingham, UK – Research
commissioned by TechRepublic and business skills provider Global
Knowledge shows that 80% of IT professionals worldwide consider
increasing their skills vital to job satisfaction. The majority
want to learn new skills to move up the career ladder.
Skills acquisition is rated above work-life balance and job
security for younger workers who are highly ambitious. They also
want to feel they’re contributing to a business and are involved in
its long-term strategy.
“It’s interesting to note from our research that younger workers
are more concerned about gaining new responsibilities than their
more tenured colleagues who were more likely to favour a work-life
balance,” said Allan Pettman, UK managing director of Global
Knowledge. “The next generation of IT professionals is prepared to
learn new tricks and skills to remain employable. This is
especially promising given the current economic climate with no
one’s job being secure. Companies need to be mindful that staff are
being given the opportunities they seek.”
While technical skills are demanded of IT workers, little is
done to enable a wider range of skills. Project management, insight
into and influence upon strategy and understanding of how an IT or
technology overhaul fits into the business and people skills are
all important while the latter helps make sure staff are being
developed and motivated, which in turn helps with retention.
“Staff turnover is a big time-consuming cost,” continued Allan.
“If we can give restless IT employees the chance to train up and
add skills via a learning and development programme, he or she will
contribute more and be less likely to leave. These IT staff can
then also spot cost-cutting opportunities through virtualisation
and an understanding of the latest software packages, alleviating
some of the burden of an organisation and demonstrating a tangible
return on investment of the training.”
About Global Knowledge UK
Global Knowledge provides IT and best practice management
learning to companies and organisations across the UK. Its core
training is focused on Cisco, Microsoft, VMware, and best practice.
This includes ITIL Service Management and PRINCE2 which is tied
into business process improvement, project management, business
analysis and leadership development.
Flexible and tailored learning programmes incorporate
e-learning, instructor-led, mentored and collaborative learning at
training centres, on site and via the internet, enabling customers
to choose when, where and how they want to receive training
programmes and learning services.
Founded in 1995, Global Knowledge employs more than 1300 people
worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located in Cary (USA),
Canadian headquarters are in Toronto and EMEA headquarters are in
London. The company is owned by New York-based investment firm
Welsh, Carson, Anderson and Stowe.
For more information please visit www.globalknowledge.co.uk
Contact:
Katie Franklin
UK Marketing Manager
Global Knowledge
01189 123480
Katie.Franklin@globalknowledge.co.uk