3 Benefits of IT Certification and Training in the Workplace

In the business world, very few sectors endure rapid change the way a company’s information technology (IT) department does.

11:22 24 February 2021

There is a never-ending cycle of software applications, new hardware, and additional solutions that need to be properly deployed, while other offerings are phased out of rotation.

Whether you’re already working in IT and want to expand your skillset, or looking to make a career change, now is a great time to jump into the IT world. Ideally, a person has some relevant prior experience before signing up for IT training courses, though often times pre-requisites don’t need to be achieved.

Managed service providers (MSPs) should ensure they have budget resources allocated so staff have the opportunity for professional development. The upfront cost will likely justify itself by a more well-rounded staff capable of addressing even more internal tasks. There are hundreds of different certifications available to choose from, though companies should only focus on current needs – or if a new hardware or software solution is going to be implemented.

Keeping on Top of Changing Trends

For companies with overburdened IT teams, decision makers might choose to rely on IT consulting professionals to help augment their staff. Although this certainly is a viable option, it can be costly and difficult to select the right consulting firm. Instead, helping employees by signing up IT training courses could be another option.

Taking a class or earning a certification to successfully use a new piece of hardware, operating system, or some type of software presents the perfect opportunity to make sure a company is adapting to new solutions. The companies responsible for offering certification of their products can also help decision makers choose the right courses for employees to sign up for.

Teaching Employees Helps Improve the Workplace

Another often overlooked return on investment (ROI) perk of training can be added employee loyalty and retention, due to enhanced career growth opportunities. Properly training employees can also be used as a recruitment tool, demonstrating to prospective candidates that the company cares – and is willing to invest in helping new hires that they’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills and gain additional experience.

It also adds a level of professional credibility when select workers are able to begin achieving certifications, especially with some of the IT certifications requiring multiple courses to complete it all.

Employee Satisfaction and Retention

Also, employees can benefit with professional growth by acquiring the various IT certifications currently available. Possible training options go well beyond the high level of hardware and software, with niche specialties such as cybersecurity and network security are two extremely popular subcategories many companies and organizations need to fill.

Management is able to demonstrate they value staff and the effort put in, but that requires the company to provide the tools for success.

Never forget, being able to add acquired certifications on the resume never hurts if one day looking for a new position. It’s also worth mentioning that going through the time and effort to become certified also could lead to internal promotions at the same company, depending on how much availability there is to climb the corporate ladder.

Current Trends, and Where the Market is Going

In 2019, the global IT training industry amassed $68.4 billion in value, but will grow another $6.26 billion from 2020 until 2024, according to market research firm Technavio. Not surprisingly, wide adoption of e-learning is helping drive interest in IT training, which will help drive its lucrative growth in the coming years.

Consideration must be shown for the type of subject matter that employees will sign up for, because there are so many different classes and certifications available. It’s up to managers to observe the current staff, their skillset, and then determine what future needs might arise later down the road. Please consider that these courses often times aren’t necessarily cheap, though should be worthwhile investments when carefully chosen.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a person trying to achieve added professional career goals, or a company needs to help educate their employees, there is no shortage of different courses available to sign up for. It’s never too late to search for achievable certifications, and if you’re trying to accelerate your job potential, then work with your manager and company to evaluate what courses they believe you’ll benefit from.

Proper IT training is something that magically just ends, as new products and services will always be right around the corner. There is little room for dillydallying when it comes to keeping up on emerging trends which could possibly one day alter the workplace.