FEATURE
Cassie Gasson , Co-CEO , Thrive
prioritise learning opportunities above all else when evaluating potential employers .
Businesses cannot afford not to invest in training .
Upskilling : A strategic advantage
Upskilling isn ’ t just about plugging gaps ; it ’ s about future-proofing your business for transformative technologies like AI . It ’ s the difference between struggling to adapt and seizing the opportunities change brings .
Take AI as an example . While automation might replace some responsibilities , jobs requiring specialist AI skills are growing at 3.5 times the rate of others , with these professionals commanding salaries up to 25 % higher . Even in roles directly impacted by AI , job growth remains steady and productivity within these roles has skyrocketed , increasing nearly fivefold . For businesses , this underscores the critical importance of upskilling . Those that prioritise equipping their workforce with the skills to harness AI ’ s potential won ’ t just adapt , they ’ ll lead . On the flip side , companies that neglect training risk falling behind , unable to keep pace in a rapidly evolving market . challenges arise , you ’ ve got the people with the skills to tackle them head-on .
The mindset shift : From cost to investment
We believe the conversation around workforce training needs to change . Too often , it ’ s framed as an expense , merely a line item on a spreadsheet to be minimised .
But training isn ’ t a cost . It ’ s the best investment you can make . For every pound spent on training , research shows businesses see £ 4.70 in return through higher productivity , increased engagement and reduced recruitment costs . And let ’ s not forget the ripple effects . When you create a culture of learning , you unlock innovation . Employees feel empowered to try new things , share ideas and push boundaries . It ’ s a win-win – for them and for you .
Practical steps to bridge the skills gap
If you ’ re ready to turn words into action , here are four steps to get started :
Training gives your workforce the agility to pivot when industries shift . It keeps you competitive when markets evolve and it ensures that when
1 . Start with a skills audit What skills are critical to your business today , and what will you need tomorrow ? A thorough
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