How to create a long-term cloud training plan for your team
If there’s one thing all organisations have in common, it’s the need to optimise productivity in their tech teams. IT leaders are constantly seeking ways to boost performance, bridge skills gaps and retain top talent.
One proven way to hit these goals is through cloud training. But, training can’t be approached with a ‘tick and flick’ mentality. To be effective, employee development needs to be informed by a comprehensive, strategic and long-term cloud training plan for your team. This equips IT employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles, while giving organisations the ability to map out a pathway from current state, to future state.
In today’s competitive talent market, it’s essential for businesses to commit time and resources to upskilling their teams —or risk being left behind.
Let’s dive deeper into why training for your tech team is an essential investment, and unpack the tangible steps you can take to create a strategic training plan tailored to your organisation’s goals.
What is a cloud team training plan?
A cloud team training plan is a structured framework that outlines the learning outcomes, strategies, curriculum, and methods for training IT employees. Think of it like a roadmap for employee IT development: one which helps to align individual learning goals with long-term organisational objectives.
By clearly defining the training pathway and identifying the skills and competencies that IT employees need to acquire, a training plan sets the stage for effective learning and development —and also creates a template that can be easily scaled and replicated.
Why use a cloud training plan?
When you break it down, a cloud training plan helps organisations to get more from their teams.
When businesses are undertaking large-scale digital transformation projects, or establishing new cloud environments, it’s essential to feel confident that you’ve got the skills needed to make these transitions happen.
They can also help with things like:
Increased IT employee retention
Organisations that offer continuous training opportunities are more likely to retain their IT employees. 41% of people have reported quitting their jobs due to a lack of career development —by offering ongoing training, you’re more likely to hold onto the talent you’ve got. And in today’s competitive talent market, it’s harder to hire in new skills —which makes retention a strategic imperative for leaders.
More engaged IT employees
Investing in learning and development not only benefits IT employees but also leads to more engaged employees. 89% of employees have said that people enablement positively impacts the workplace, fostering a greater sense of engagement and commitment.
Enhanced Productivity and Growth
Investing in cloud training leads to improved performance, and increased productivity. Happier, engaged team members, and regular upskilling, enable organisations to achieve their big goals faster —and with more consistency.
How can you create a long-term cloud training plan?
- Set your objectives: Define the specific goals and objectives you aim to achieve through the cloud training plan. Are you trying to set up new infrastructure or advance your cloud architecture? Identify the key business objectives for the next 12 months minimum —and start to reverse engineer the steps and skills needed to achieve these goals.
- Conduct a Cloud Learning Needs Analysis: As part of reverse-engineering your objectives, you should conduct a cloud learning needs analysis. Take stock of what skillsets you’ve currently got, and identify the skill sets you need more of: are you focused on security, development or architecture? Identify the tech knowledge and skills gaps within your organisation through a thorough assessment of IT employee competencies and job requirements —and compare between your current state and ideal future state so you can see where extra focus is needed.
- Seek input from your IT team: It’s essential to involve employees in the cloud training planning process. That way, you can align their goals with the organisation’s goals wherever possible. By taking onboard their suggestions and input, you’ll get greater buy-in, which leads to better training outcomes.
- Find a cloud training partner: Creating, evaluating and executing a long term training plan takes time and dedicated resources to do it well. By partnering with an experienced training provider, they’ll help you to design and implement a tailored training program that addresses your organisation’s budget and unique requirements.
Investing in a long-term training plan for your team is not just a nice-to-have; it’s an investment in your organisation’s future success.
By prioritising employee development and fostering a culture of continuous learning, organisations can enhance productivity, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge.
Are you ready to build your tailored training strategy? Get in touch today to discuss your training needs and goals with our expert team and claim your free learning needs analysis.
