In today’s fast-paced digital world, technology evolves faster than many organizations can keep up. During our recent webinar, Kyle Gagliardi, Technology Learning Advisor at OpenSesame, put it best:
“What you know today could be obsolete in six months. Agility in skill development isn’t just nice to have—it’s critical for survival.”
Partnering with CYPHER Learning, we’ve uncovered powerful insights into how HR and L&D teams can proactively tackle growing IT skill gaps, especially in high-impact areas like cloud computing, AI literacy, cybersecurity, and DevOps.
Why IT skill gaps keep professionals awake at night
We asked professionals during the recent webinar to share their top concerns. Here’s what rose to the top:
- Rapidly evolving technologies are outpacing current training.
- Engagement and completion rates are low due to a lack of personalized, role-specific training.
Mark Schuster, Product Manager at CYPHER Learning, explained,
“Low engagement often results from being overwhelmed by course options. Personalized and targeted training directly addresses this.”
The true cost of doing nothing
Industry stats are eye-opening and frankly terrifying for the unprepared. Check out the potential financial impact of ignoring skill gaps:
- IT skill shortages could cost businesses globally $5.5 trillion by 2026.
- 90% of companies reported data breaches tied to inadequate cybersecurity training, with each breach averaging $4.88 million.
- Every unfilled tech position costs companies about $25,000 per month, with the current global shortage further compounding hiring challenges.
Sources: CIO.com, Fortinet, IMB, LIGHTCAST
Real stories, real consequences
Our experts shared striking firsthand customer stories that show just how fast a skills gap can turn into a business crisis:
- Cloud misconfiguration exposes sensitive data: Kyle described how a misconfigured AWS storage bucket at a large enterprise inadvertently exposed sensitive HR data, an error that could have been prevented with proper training.
- Social engineering scam targets payroll: Mark shared how a healthcare organization suffered major losses after scammers impersonated executives and redirected payroll deposits. The helpdesk team missed the signs because they hadn’t been trained to spot them.
No industry is immune to skill gaps, and company size offers no protection. As Mark put it, “Training isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential.”
Key strategies to build a future-ready workforce
So, how can you actually prepare your team for the fast-moving IT landscape? During our conversation, Mark outlined five essential strategies for success. Here’s a preview of two:
- Personalized learning paths: Effective training progresses logically, from foundational to advanced skills. As Mark noted, “Structured paths prevent boredom, keeping learners engaged,” while Kyle added, “Technical teams want training directly aligned to daily challenges.”
- Continuously updated content: With technology evolving rapidly and cyber threats increasing, training content must remain fresh and relevant. Mark stressed, “Continuous updates ensure training remains applicable and timely, empowering teams to swiftly adapt.”
Want to uncover Mark’s remaining key strategies? Watch the full webinar on demand and get the tools to build your team’s resilience.
Take your next step—you’re not alone
The risk of inaction is real. Skill gaps can lead to costly breaches, disrupted operations, and missed growth opportunities.
We’re here to help—every step of the way. Watch the webinar and explore these free, expert-designed tools:
- IT Learning Path in 30 Minutes Worksheet — Quickly map tailored IT training paths.
- AWS IT Learning Persona Guide — Role-specific AWS training guidance.
- AI for everyone curated learning path lists — Rapidly build AI literacy across your organization. Learn more about these lists here.
- Expertly curated AWS training paths – Instant access to specialized AWS courses, from cloud basics to advanced AI literacy and DevOps.
When you partner with OpenSesame, you unlock personalized support from our expert curation team, working alongside trusted partners like CYPHER Learning. Our team, including industry veterans like Kyle, collaborates closely with you, deeply understands your unique training needs, and creates custom learning paths that engage your team and deliver measurable results.
Ready to experience personalized, impactful training for your technical team?
Request a consultation with our experts today.
And watch the webinar on demand now.
Together, let’s equip your team with the skills they need to succeed.
Discover more with our partner at CYPHER Learning.
About the author
Heidi is a partner marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry, including more than a decade in SaaS and 8+ years focused on building strategic partner programs. At OpenSesame, she leads go-to-market initiatives with learning technology partners, helping to drive growth and deliver value across the ecosystem. Heidi is passionate about helping partners articulate their unique value alongside OpenSesame—finding a shared voice, crafting impactful stories, and connecting with the customers who will resonate with them most.