3 Training Goals of the IT Industry

Over the past few decades, the information technology industry has grown by leaps and bounds, from what was simply a world of brand new, unfamiliar technology into an entire industry. The IT industry exists because technology has grown to become part of nearly everything we do. In almost any career field, technology will be a major part of the job description, with a constant demand to stay up-to-date and keep your skills freshly polished. To meet this specific need of boosting and honing IT skills, the IT training industry was born. IT training ensures that individuals who are utilising technology in the workplace (perhaps as well as in their daily lives) are fully equipped to handle the technological equipment, programs, and requirements asked of them. So what are the training goals of the IT industry?

1. Train users sufficiently in work-related applications, programs, and processes.

For immediate results, training goals should include helping employees find a firm grasp on the current technology being used in the work environment. IT training should be comprehensive, with the goal of helping each trainee come to a full understanding of how PC and web-based programs work and how they’ll use them on the job. This training promotes success in the workplace by ensuring all staff members are on the same page when it comes to shared technology.

2. Train with a focus on future skills development.

Training for IT skills can be an ongoing process, as technological advancements continue and improvements are made. Employees may need a training refresher to help adapt to new technologies or equipment. The best kind of IT training, however, from the get-go gives users the tools to better adapt to any of these changes in the technology. A second goal of training, then is to focus on future skills development. With proper training, an individual should have enough understanding of the new technology to handle smaller shifts such as upgrades. Larger, more extensive changes may require additional training.

3. Train across disciplines and for a diversity of abilities.

Thirdly, the best training is performed with an eye towards interdisciplinary training. Though IT training, of course, focuses mostly on the specifics of information technology, this has become blended into so many other fields that it is necessary to train users for a diversity of skills. This means that training in various industries needs to be highly specific to that industry. To achieve this goal, an IT trainer should be able to incorporate elements of that industry’s needs and specifics into his training. This may involve using examples of practical application of an IT skill, and showing how the new technology can assist with an industry-specific task. In essence, excellent IT training helps people learn how to use technology to solve real business problems.

These are just a small sampling of the goals that might be focused on when training for IT. As the workplace and IT industry changes, new outcomes may be desirable, thereby shifting the goals. When considering business IT training in the near future, contact us at IIT Training to find out how we can help your company reach these goals.

Is the Demand for IT Skills Rising?

With every year that passes, the technology field seems to be an increasingly growing industry. Not only is the IT industry itself becoming larger and more significant, but the lines have begun to blur, as technological advancement infiltrates and becomes an integral facet of most other fields. Is the demand for IT skills rising? Certainly! And at an incredible rate.

Where are these IT skills needed?

IT skills and the need for IT training are in hot demand within the current job market, and have become a necessity in nearly every industry. As technology branches into all industries (and, as a result, businesses have grown) there has been a marked increase in the availability of IT related positions. Hiring trends in 2014 suggested that the most in-demand areas include big data, cloud computing, security, and mobile technology.

Within big business, the need for security amidst a large technological infrastructure has become paramount. IT professionals with top security skills will be in great demand for these expanding businesses. Big data goes hand in hand with security skills. With the advent of cloud computing, businesses have begun to amass large amounts of company and customer data. This requires the skills of outstanding data administrators and security professionals who can make sure the company’s data is well-protected from security infiltrations or technical failures.

In businesses of all kinds, the need for IT support and helpdesk professionals will also be in high demand. Major corporations with massive networks and hundreds of users will require the support of IT experts, ready to help, fix, and patch. IT training is also a field which is seeing much growth, as employees may require extensive training and assistance in using new software. IT training for IT professionals will also increase, as this mass of new jobs will require pros to constantly brush up on their existing skills and keep abreast of new technological advancements.

What further skills will be in demand?

Top IT industry professionals suggest that the following should be part of IT skills development for the current environment:

• An understanding of higher-level languages like Java, Ruby, and Python SQL, HTML, C#/C++, ASP.Net and XML
• Mobile development such as iOS, Android, and Sencha
• Big data development skills-storage and analysis
• Video and graphic editing
• Agile
• Experience with NoSQL databases: Cassandra, MongoDB and Redis
• HTML5 programming
• IT certifications

These skills represent what skills are currently in great demand for IT professionals as well as what skills would help job seekers get an edge in the competitive and vastly changing market. Working towards and achieving IT certifications is not necessary to gainful employment in the field, but may increase the salary of an IT professional.

Keep Learning

There can be no doubt that IT is one of the fastest growing industries, and careers within this realm are exploding. To keep up with the rapid changes and developments, constant training and honing of these specialised skills will be necessary to remain competitive. It seems there is always something new to learn and discover in the IT field, so to be successful within IT, perhaps the most important skill is a dedication and willingness to learn, grow, and improve.

4 Elements of Successful Training

When training employees or other individuals on a new system, with new technology, or using new methods, there can often be some challenges. Grasping material of the IT persuasion can be difficult for some, especially those who may be intimidated by advanced technology. Never fear, however, for there are many ways to make the training process a whole lot smoother, resulting in all around success.

1. Clear, concise language.

When training for a new skill, particularly for understanding of a more complex IT system, it is vital that the training occur in clear and concise language. Training involves boosting the abilities of individuals of ALL skill levels. When teaching something such as a computer program or how to understand new equipment and technology, it's most helpful to use the most basic language as possible. Often, this is referred to as "layman's terms." Teaching IT skills in particular requires this tactful sort of presentation, as concepts in this realm can be confusing for many. When training employees to utilise new software, this type of language is best, and an approachable teaching style can be augmented by written guidebooks or handbooks detailing all steps of a procedure in more extensive, easier to grasp, detail.

2. A variety of methods.

People learn in all different ways. Because of this, any training program must be undertaken with plenty of time and resources available for further discussion and processing. While many are visual learners and can absorb material fully through reading and visuals, others are auditory learners, who will need to process new information through hearing and possibly through repetition. Still more are those who best learn through discussion, examining the new material and concepts from different angles and looking at various scenarios and circumstances. Some learners grasp the bigger picture first, then moving on to sift through the details, while others must learn in a detail-oriented, step-by-step manner which leads them successfully to embrace the larger concept as a whole. Successful training should cater to, and allow for all these methods of learning.

3. Encourage questions and discussion.

Even the fastest learners will have questions. Training in IT can be overwhelming for many, as new technology can feel awkward and unfamiliar. For your trainees to grow most comfortable with their new skills, it is necessary to encourage frequent questions and discussion. In a blended training approach, the trainees can access further information, guides, or discussion groups facilitated by knowledgeable individuals, online or in person. Having these resources available can greatly enhance the training process, leading to faster knowledge and skills acquisition and improved overall efficiency.

4. Ongoing learning.

Learning is a process. When taking on a new skill in the world of technology, it's important to remind trainees that developing new skills and understanding takes time. As skills grow and improve, further questions may arise. Problem-solving abilities will be gained in the face of errors, issues, or malfunction, and a focus on ongoing learning can help ease these obstacles through a smoother transition. As employees train, it will be necessary for them to have access to continued support, whether for database and program troubleshooting, or if and when they encounter an issue of confusion or make an error. Ongoing learning helps everyone in the workplace continually build on their existing knowledge, which improves efficiency and productivity and ultimately contributes to an overall sense of teamwork and excellence.