The New Approach to Employee Growth: Why Skills-Based Training Matters
Businesses are under pressure to move faster, make smarter decisions, and do more with less. For IT leaders, cybersecurity managers, and team leads, one thing is clear: the old way of training just isn’t enough anymore. Skills-based training offers a fresh solution that connects learning directly to the real skills today’s jobs require.
Instead of broad or generic lessons, skills-based training helps employees build specific abilities that match what your business actually needs. For companies focused on staying ahead, this approach isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
Train Your Team with Practical, On-Demand Learning
Today’s teams need training that keeps up with fast-changing technology. That’s where on-demand learning makes a difference. At ACI Learning, we offer expert-led content made for professionals in IT, audit, and cybersecurity. Your team can learn exactly what they need, right when they need it — no need to wait for scheduled classes or workshops.
Our instructors don’t just teach — they’ve done the work. Your team learns from people who’ve been in the field and know what success looks like.
Learning by Doing: Why Hands-On Practice Works
Watching videos or reading isn’t enough. People learn best by doing. That’s why our platform includes interactive, hands-on labs.
It’s not enough for learners to just hear about technology—they need to work with it. As Jason Piecora, ACI Learning’s Chief Product Technology Officer, explains in Training Industry, “Technical professionals must be able to safely practice and test their knowledge in real-world environments where troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making happen in real time.”
Traditional training that relies only on slide decks or reading often falls short in preparing learners to perform on the job. That’s where ACI Learning’s Skill Labs come in.
These virtual labs simulate real-world IT environments where learners can:
- Troubleshoot systems
- Configure networks
- Respond to security incidents
They provide meaningful practice in a safe, controlled space where learners can experiment, make mistakes, and try again—without risking a live environment. It’s the experience of breaking and fixing things, without breaking the actual server.
This kind of hands-on learning helps bridge the gap between theory and real-world use. It allows learners to:
- Apply what they’ve learned in real scenarios
- Build confidence through active participation
- Strengthen problem-solving skills
- Reinforce certification and job-ready skills
Studies show that learning by doing boosts retention dramatically—up to 90%—compared to only 10–20% from passive methods like reading or listening.
Even better, these cloud-based labs are:
- Accessible from anywhere
- Affordable and scalable
- Easy to integrate into training programs
They include built-in analytics so you can track progress, match training to job roles, and combine labs with other forms of training.
Upskilling: Why It’s a Business Imperative
As technology and automation reshape the way we work, many existing skills are becoming outdated. Meanwhile, the demand for adaptable, creative, and critical thinkers is only rising. That’s why more leaders are focusing on upskilling their workforce.
Upskilling helps employees strengthen the skills they need in their current roles while preparing for future responsibilities. It supports long-term growth by offering targeted training tied to specific business goals—helping teams stay relevant and confident in the face of change.
Unlike reskilling, which involves learning entirely new skills for a different job path, upskilling keeps career growth on a steady track. And with younger generations eager to learn, forward-thinking companies are using upskilling programs to attract and retain top talent.
Want to implement a strategy that works? Our step-by-step guide to employee upskilling walks you through how to assess skills gaps, set measurable goals, pick the right training tools, and embed learning into your company culture.
A Training Platform That Helps You Reach Business Goals
Training only matters if it helps your business grow. ACI Learning goes beyond offering courses — our platform helps you guide, track, and improve your team’s learning.
You can create learning paths for different roles, keep an eye on progress, and see the results. Whether you’re welcoming new team members or preparing for team changes, our tools help you keep training aligned with your company’s goals.
Why IT and Cybersecurity Teams Choose ACI Learning
Thousands of companies trust us to train their teams for both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. We’re a go-to resource for:
- Managed service providers
- Corporate IT teams
- Internal audit departments
- Risk and compliance teams
Our learners appreciate that the content is practical and easy to apply. Managers value the insights they get into team progress and performance. It’s not about ticking boxes — it’s about building teams that can act, adjust, and lead.
A Better Way to Train Your Team
Looking to update your training approach? ACI Learning gives you everything you need to help your team grow:
- 7,000+ hours of expert-led, on-demand courses
- Hands-on virtual labs
- A flexible training platform with role-based paths
- Reporting tools to show the impact
Your competitors are already investing in better training. Make sure your team is ready, too.
Let’s Talk About Your Training Needs
When you’re ready to improve how your team learns, we’re here. Talk with us or explore our business training solutions.
Helping your team grow isn’t just an HR task — it’s a smart move for your business.
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