UK and Ireland Prioritise In-House Learning & Development

A significant shift is underway in the corporate landscapes of the UK and Ireland, with businesses increasingly prioritising in-house Learning and Development (L&D) programmes. This strategic pivot is a direct response to rapid technological advancements, evolving regulatory landscapes, and a persistent skills gap across various sectors. Instead of relying solely on external training providers, many organisations are now building robust internal capabilities to foster continuous upskilling and reskilling of their workforces.

The imperative for corporate upskilling has never been more pronounced. A recent report by the CIPD highlighted that 75% of UK organisations anticipate automation and AI will significantly alter skill requirements within the next five years. This sentiment is mirrored in Ireland, where the National Skills Council's latest forecast identifies critical skills shortages in areas such as digital transformation, green skills, and advanced manufacturing. This evolving landscape necessitates a proactive approach to talent development.

In-house training offers several distinct advantages, making it an attractive option for businesses. These include the ability to create tailored content that precisely aligns with specific organisational goals, internal systems, and unique cultural nuances, ensuring maximum impact. Furthermore, while initial setup costs might require investment, long-term in-house delivery often proves more economical than repeated external engagements, particularly for large workforces. Internal trainers also frequently possess deep institutional knowledge, facilitating better knowledge retention.

Key Trends in Corporate Upskilling Across the Region

Several key trends are shaping how organisations in the UK and Ireland are approaching corporate upskilling in 2024.

  • Digital Transformation Skills: The most prominent area of investment is in digital literacy and advanced digital skills. This ranges from basic data analytics for all employees to specialised training in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing for technical roles. The Irish Government's 'Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework' underscores the national importance of digital upskilling, with targets to increase digital literacy across the workforce. Skillnet Ireland's 2024 Annual Report indicated that 14,711 workers benefited from digital skills programmes, a 16% increase, with a focus on emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. Similarly, a Microsoft Ireland Work Trend Index 2024 revealed that two-thirds of workers in Ireland are seeking AI upskilling.
  • Leadership and Management Development: Effective leadership is crucial for navigating change. Many organisations are focusing on developing leadership skills, including decision-making, resilience, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
  • Health, Safety, and Compliance Training: While often mandated, health and safety training is increasingly integrated into broader L&D strategies. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Great Britain reported 1.7 million working people suffering from work-related illnesses in 2023/24, with 776,000 experiencing work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. Additionally, 543,000 workers suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders, a 15% increase from the previous year. In Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) reported 3,474 manual handling incidents in 2023-2024, accounting for approximately 33% of all workplace injuries, highlighting the ongoing need for robust manual handling training. The HSA also reported 36 workplace fatalities in 2024, a decrease from 43 in 2023, with agriculture, forestry, and fishing, along with construction, remaining high-risk sectors.
  • Soft Skills and Adaptability: In a rapidly changing business landscape, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability have become essential for employees to succeed. Organisations are providing training to develop these skills through workshops, coaching, and simulations.

Investment and Future Outlook

Investment in L&D across the UK and Ireland continues to grow, albeit with some nuances. A 2023 report by the CIPD indicated that 70% of UK organisations increased their L&D spending, with a strong focus on digital skills and leadership development. Similarly, a survey by the Irish Institute of Training & Development (IITD) revealed that 65% of Irish companies planned to boost their training budgets in 2024. Ireland's commitment to lifelong learning is evident, with participation rates increasing to 16% in Q4 2024, surpassing the National Skills Strategy target of 15% for 2025.

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see health and safety training Ireland or explore train the trainer quiz for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

However, challenges remain. The Learning and Work Institute noted a real-terms decline in employer investment in training in the UK, falling by 13% per employee since 2022 and 29% since 2011, primarily impacting the quantity of training rather than access. Despite this, the UK corporate e-learning market is projected to reach USD 13.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.5% from 2025 to 2030, driven by increased demand for remote learning solutions and employee skill development. The integration of advanced technologies like AI and VR is enhancing engagement and interactivity in corporate training programmes.

The shift towards in-house training is also influenced by a desire to improve employee retention. A CIPD report in 2024 found that 42% of organisations increased L&D opportunities to address retention, up from 35% in 2022. Moreover, 76% of Irish employers are likely to hire individuals without all required skills, with the intention of upskilling them, and 79% consider willingness to learn more important than existing skillsets. This highlights a proactive approach to talent development and a recognition of the long-term benefits of internal capability building.

For organisations looking to enhance their in-house training capabilities and develop their trainers, Abertay Training offers expert solutions and accredited programmes. More information can be found at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.