The Strategic Advantage of Upskilling.

Investing in employee development offers a vast number of benefits. Here we’ve pulled together our top four benefits for employers.

  1. Enhanced Productivity: Employees equipped with current skills can perform more tasks efficiently, leading to increased output and better quality work.
  2. Improved Employee Retention: Providing growth opportunities fosters loyalty, reducing turnover rates and the associated costs of hiring and training new staff.
  3. Bridging Skills Gaps: Tailored training programs can address specific skill shortages within your organisation, ensuring your team is prepared to meet current and future challenges.
  4. Cost Savings. Developing existing employees is often more cost-effective than recruiting new talent, saving on recruitment and onboarding expenses.

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that 1 in 3 employers now say they would rather upskill existing team members than hire new staff. This speaks directly to current economic and technological trends, especially with AI taking over many junior roles. Companies are recognising that upskilling offers a quicker, more cost-effective, and sustainable way to build talent.

Leveraging Government-Funded Skills Bootcamps.

Up to 90% discount for employers

One effective avenue for upskilling is through government-funded Skills Bootcamps. These programs offer flexible training solutions designed to meet the needs of today’s industries. For instance, Step8Up’s Skills Bootcamps provide:

Substantial Financial Support: SMEs can receive up to a 90% discount, while larger employers may benefit from a 70% discount on training costs. Step8Up can work with you to explore funding solutions to cover the remaining costs, including direct government support or partner arrangements.

Flexible Learning Options: Courses are available remotely and are instructor-led in real time, just like a live classroom. Evening sessions allow full-time employees to join without disrupting their day jobs. This is especially helpful for employers supporting staff development alongside business-as-usual operations.

Practical Industry-Relevant Training: Programs focus on real-world applications, ensuring employees gain skills that are immediately applicable to their roles.

Enhanced Employer Engagement: Employers can participate as guest speakers, project judges and gain early access to a pool of job-ready candidates.

Upskilling your team is a proactive strategy that not only addresses current skill shortages but also prepares your organisation for future challenges. By leveraging programs like Step8Up’s Skills Bootcamps, employers can invest in their workforce, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge in their industry.

100% FREE for Individual Learners

For more information on how to upskill your team through government-funded programs, book a call with Step8Up to explore tailored training and funding options. Employers can also join Step8Up’s online events and meet learners.

Past learners have changed careers or levelled up their roles through these bootcamps, and their success can be seen in video testimonials and reviews available on the Step8Up website.