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Why upskilling is critical for IT services companies in 2025: building future-ready workforces
Resource management
Skills development

Why upskilling is critical for IT services companies in 2025: building future-ready workforces

Julie Sergent
Content manager
January 28, 2025
5 min

Introduction

In a world reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the ever-changing expectations of clients, IT services companies face a central challenge: does your team have the skills needed to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving sector?

The urgency to adapt has never been greater. A BCG Global study reveals that automation technologies could eliminate 14% of jobs and transform 32% of them in the next 15 to 20 years (BCG Global, 2023). In this context, upskilling strategies are no longer a mere competitive advantage but a strategic priority. At the same time, the growing adoption of generative AI technologies in the workplace demands a delicate balance between productivity and employee well-being.

This article explores why upskilling has become a critical need for IT services in 2025, the challenges it presents, and actionable solutions to build a future-ready workforce. We will also highlight how tools like Napta can accelerate this transformation by aligning talent development with your strategic objectives.

Embracing new models: soft skills take center stage

Employees must understand that technological change is inevitable. To ensure a smooth transition, investing in soft skills such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, and complexity management is essential. These skills enable rapid adaptation to new working methods while maintaining a balance between performance and resilience in the face of rapid market transformations.

The urgency of upskilling: overcoming transformation challenges in IT services firms

Key challenges in the IT services landscape:

  1. Limited lifespan of technical skills: today, the average lifespan of a technical skill is less than five years, making certain expertise quickly obsolete.
  2. Critical skill shortages: advanced technical skills and sustainability-related expertise are in high demand but critically short supply. Meanwhile, less attractive fields like consolidation and accounting expertise face higher costs due to declining interest.
  3. Demand for dual expertise: clients increasingly seek professionals who excel in both technical and business skills, driving demand for multidimensional expertise.
  4. Balancing productivity and well-being: as generative AI technologies rise, companies must navigate the trade-off between operational efficiency and employee engagement.

Why upskilling is essential for IT services firms?

Maintain competitiveness

An adaptable workforce is crucial for keeping pace with market and client expectations while responding to technological shifts.

Satisfy client expectations

Clients today demand agile teams capable of innovating and delivering projects efficiently.

Retain top talent

Providing clear development opportunities motivates employees and reduces turnover in a competitive talent market.

Enhance profitability

Investing in critical skills optimises resource use and improves operational margins.

Winning strategies for upskilling in 2025

1. Map needs and prioritise critical skills

IT services firms must identify existing skills and anticipate future needs using analytical tools. Shifting from a job-centric to a skill-focused approach helps meet client demands while boosting organisational agility.

2. Invest in robust training programs

Market leaders implement training initiatives that start during onboarding and continue throughout employees' careers. These programs ensure continuous skill updates while enhancing employee loyalty.

Focus: Napta helps companies identify individual training needs and effectively address them with targeted modules.

3. Encourage regular certifications

Achieving at least one certification per year—whether technical or behavioral—is a practice among top IT services firms. This enhances both expertise and team spirit.

Focus: Napta tracks certifications, ensures key skills remain current, and sends reminders for updates.

4. Incorporate coaching and personalised mentorship

Individualised coaching tailored to specific needs is far more effective than generic mentorship, enabling growth aligned with each employee's ambitions.

5. Adapt training to generational preferences

Millennials and Gen Z have unique learning preferences. Customising training tools and methods enhances engagement and retention in a multigenerational workforce.

6. Foster a culture of continuous learning

Embedding learning into the company’s DNA involves knowledge sharing, encouraging experimentation, and dedicating time for skill development.

Focus: Napta optimises time management for training, ensuring a balance between learning and productivity.

Overcoming key upskilling challenges

Resistance to change among employees

Clearly communicating the benefits of training and tailoring plans to individual aspirations is essential. Napta supports personalised skill management, making training more engaging.

Measuring the impact of training

Many companies struggle to demonstrate the ROI of their upskilling initiatives. Napta’s advanced dashboards enable precise tracking of resource utilisation and performance improvements.

Scaling personalised programs

As companies grow, scaling personalised training becomes challenging. Napta centralises and standardises resource management data, enabling seamless program deployment even across dispersed teams.

The crucial role of managers in upskilling success

Managers play a pivotal role in fostering a learning culture. Resilient companies invest in managers who blend empathy, innovation, and results-driven approaches. These behavioral and managerial skills distinguish humans from machines, enhancing overall organisational performance.

Ericsson’s example, where 15,000 employees were trained in AI skills within three years, highlights how executive-level commitment yields tangible results (BCG Global, 2023).

Anticipation and planning: staying ahead of market needs

IT services firms must leverage predictive data to forecast skill gaps and align training programs with future demands. This proactive approach ensures preparedness for critical skill shortages and supports sustained adaptability.

How Napta accelerates transformation for IT services firms?

Napta offers a powerful solution to:

  • Align skill management with strategic objectives
  • Anticipate future needs through predictive analysis
  • Track and manage skills to prevent gaps and maximise performance

Conclusion: upskilling as a strategic imperative

Upskilling is no longer optional but a necessity for IT services firms aiming to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. By investing in continuous learning and fostering a culture of development with solutions like Napta, they can:

  • Maintain relevance in the market
  • Retain top talent
  • Deliver greater value to clients

Napta combines advanced technology with a human-centered approach to provide the tools needed for proactive talent management. Schedule a demo today and discover how Napta can revolutionise your upskilling strategy.

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