In a time of unprecedented tech evolution, businesses need agile, well-trained talent to stay competitive.
We recently sat down with Andy Woodward, our Senior Partnerships Director, to get his fresh perspective on the value of upskilling and reskilling, particularly with the unique demands placed on tech talent today. Check out some of his insights into why enterprises should rethink their workforce strategy to develop existing talent, source new talent, and optimise performance using evolving tech.
Optimising talent through training has never been more critical
Andy’s background in research and partnerships gives him a unique perspective on our role in the tech education landscape, but it’s his passion for unlocking potential that makes him an awesome addition to the GA team. While many companies are facing staffing challenges, he sees a clear pathway to meeting demands: upskilling current employees.
In Andy’s words, “Many businesses are trying to do more with fewer people. By upskilling existing talent, you can save a lot of money and make sure your existing talent can work harder for you on more demanding projects.” His advice? Invest in your people. Instead of consistently hiring new talent, give your current workforce the skills they need to tackle emerging tech demands—resulting in a faster, more efficient pipeline and a significant reduction in hiring costs.
Why instructor-led training matters
Since the pandemic, demand has grown for online learning options. However, Andy highlights a key insight on asynchronous learning. While convenient, it lacks the engagement and immediate feedback of instructor-led sessions. “That live interaction with an instructor is so much more powerful,” Andy explains. For tech professionals specifically, direct, live feedback can be essential for understanding new concepts, especially in complex fields like data science, AI, and software engineering.
Andy believes that instructor-led training provides a richer experience, allowing for two-way conversations with knowledgeable experts who can tailor responses to specific business contexts. “The async approach is great, but you don’t get to interact and network with like-minded people,” he notes. In rapidly changing tech fields, those personal connections and insights can significantly impact not only how quickly new skills are learned, but also how effectively they’re applied on the job.
When stacked side by side, Andy recommends that companies looking to maximise engagement choose a hands-on, live approach—exactly what our industry-experienced instructors bring to our courses. Because in the end, instructor-led training offers practical, real-world perspectives that asynchronous videos simply can’t provide.
Integrating AI: Training for the future of work
Still one of the hottest topics today, artificial intelligence continues to pose both challenges and opportunities for businesses across every sector. Andy stresses that the key for business leaders is to focus on how AI can be used strategically, thinking of AI as “tech as a teammate.” AI doesn’t replace human employees—instead, it supports them in delivering more efficiently by taking over repetitive or time-consuming tasks.
“For business leaders, when they’re thinking about how to transition their tech talent to AI,” Andy advises, “it’s about knowing where they can get quick wins.” The goal isn’t to overwhelm employees with a complete overhaul, but rather to identify areas where AI can improve specific processes, allowing team members to focus on higher value tasks. Andy sees this as a partnership between AI and tech professionals, a combination that boosts performance and speeds up deliverables.
The time to invest in your workforce is now
As we continue charging forward in an era where technological demands are skyrocketing, Andy’s insights make it clear—workforce transformation should start from within. By reskilling and upskilling your current employees, embracing the power of instructor-led training, and strategically integrating AI, you’ll be better positioned to meet the fast-evolving needs of today’s tech landscape.
Ready to make more possible and elevate your team’s potential? Learn more about our proven enterprise tech talent and training solutions. Then get in touch to see how we can put real skills to work and get your team at their peak.