Introducing the UPSKILLING COMMANDMENTS
The UK government has just pledged £275m to turbocharge technical training and apprenticeships. We can expect this investment to support enhanced digital skills, future-ready talent and the continued rise of AI wizardry (and the human puppet master working the tools).
But what does this mean for your business?
As autumn arrives and young people receive their A-level results, a new wave of university graduates enter the fray. The next generation are ready to shape the future, and 79% of Gen Z employees and 75% of Millennials said they’d actively look for a new job if their current employer didn’t offer upskilling opportunities.
So, if you’re serious about attracting top talent, you need to consider the upskilling commandments…
THE UPSKILLING COMMANDMENTS: THOU SHALT NOT…
Strategy slip-ups
Your upskilling approach is only as strong as the thinking behind it. Too often, well-meaning programmes fall short because they’re reactive, disconnected or chasing the wrong goals:
- Thou shalt not undervalue formal and flexible learning
Upskilling isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s college, bootcamps, apprenticeships or AI short courses, invest in a range of learning pathways.
- Thou shalt not ignore the transition moments
A-level results day is a gateway. Support school-leavers and early-career colleagues with clear, legitimate routes into your organisation – like Technical Excellence Colleges.
- Thou shalt not silo skills development
L&D can’t work in isolation. Connect training with hiring plans, career progression, government funding and wider business strategy.
- Thou shalt not treat AI skills as a future-only priority
AI is already reshaping roles. Don’t wait. Start building capability now so your teams aren’t left behind.
Execution errors
It’s not just what you offer, it’s how you deliver it. The strongest strategies fall flat if they don’t land with the people they’re built for:
- Thou shalt not overemphasise quantity over quality
More courses doesn’t mean more capability. Prioritise high-quality, employer-aligned programmes that deliver real-world outcomes.
- Thou shalt not leave lifelong learning for later
Learning isn’t a phase, it’s a habit. Support reskilling at every stage of the employee journey with modular, career-spanning options.
- Thou shalt not ignore industry–education collaboration
Upskilling works best when theory meets practice. Build relationships with schools, colleges, technical experts *cough cough*, and providers to shape talent that’s work-ready.
Cultural clangers
The final commandments are all about embedding upskilling into your organisation. Because one-off courses aren’t enough… cultures of growth are built over time:
- Thou shalt not launch training then forget it
Upskilling is a culture not a campaign. Keep momentum with microlearning, mentoring and regular reflection points.
- Thou shalt not mistake investment for impact
Throwing budget at training won’t guarantee transformation. Track outcomes, gather feedback and course-correct regularly.
- Thou shalt not focus on the wrong outcomes
Upskilling will help efficiencies, processes and business goals – but your people want to hear what it’ll do for them. Say “You will get…” not “This change helps us…”
Why all this matters
Skills gaps are rising, but so is the opportunity to close them.
By aligning with government investment, supporting flexible pathways and prioritising continuous learning, organisations can unlock a new generation of high-impact talent.
This isn’t just about plugging gaps. It’s about creating competitive advantage – for your people and your business.
