Training vs. recruitment: which AI strategy is best for your service business?

The value of internal training

Investing in internal training offers long-term benefits:

• Increased retention: internally trained employees are more likely to stay, reducing turnover.
• Alignment with company objectives: skills developed internally are tailored to the organisation’s unique needs and processes.
• Long-term adaptability: internal training fosters resilient and adaptable teams.

However, it also comes with limitations:

• Time and resource demands: building robust training programs can be costly and time-intensive.
• Risk of talent poaching: newly trained employees may be lured away by competitors.

At Amaris Consulting, 70% of current leaders began as interns or entry-level employees, highlighting the value of investing in internal training.

‍

Why choose a hybrid strategy?

A hybrid strategy combines the benefits of recruitment and internal training, offering the best of both worlds:

• Immediate impact and long-term resilience: recruitment provides instant expertise, while training ensures sustained skill development.
• Flexibility and collaborative innovation: hybrid models allow companies to work with startups and freelancers while strengthening internal capabilities.

Wavestone exemplifies this with a progressive AI integration approach, using tools like Copilot to streamline repetitive tasks and training consultants to maximise the efficiency of these solutions (ProServices Day, 2024).

The role of AI in this equation

AI should be seen not as a threat but as a tool to amplify human skills. It is not here to replace us but to enhance our capabilities. The key lies in balancing human intuition with AI-powered insights.

"AI tools allow us to tackle complex challenges, deliver superior results, and focus on creating strategic and human value for clients." - Julien Floch, Head of GenAI & CTO Offer

Concrete applications:

• NLP for improved client communication
• Predictive analytics for faster and more accurate insights
• AI assistants to streamline administrative tasks

Ethical and responsible adoption is vital, ensuring data confidentiality and mitigating algorithmic bias.

‍

Key skills for an AI-driven future

To thrive in an AI-powered professional environment, companies must cultivate the following skills:

1. Technical proficiency: understanding AI tools and their functionality.
2. Critical thinking and analysis: interpreting AI recommendations with discernment.
3. Soft skills: empathy and creativity to maintain a human-centered approach in client interactions.

Wavestone’s vision: an augmented consultant seamlessly combines technical and interpersonal skills to deliver unique value (ProServices Day, 2024).

‍

Conclusion

The choice between recruitment and internal training depends on each organisation’s strategic goals and resources. However, a hybrid strategy appears to offer the best compromise, delivering immediate results while building long-term capabilities. Ultimately, AI’s true advantage lies in freeing consultants to focus on what truly matters: creating strategic and human value for clients. Recruitment or training to integrate AI into your team? This article explores the advantages, challenges, and strategies for optimising talent and staying competitive in consulting, auditing, and IT service sectors.