FEATURE
Beyond the
obvious technical
benefits, training
and certifications
can go a long way
in boosting work
satisfaction, IT
efficiency and
staff retention.
Training enables
organisations to hire
entry-level staff and
ramp up their skill
sets in niche areas.
Ned Baltagi, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa at SANS
For one, certification preparation often
provides the motivation necessary for
employees to set aside the time and effort
required to become subject matter experts.
Very often, certification training includes
the use of hands-on and/or simulated
instruction which expose applicants to a
wide range of scenarios that they might
not frequently see in their day-to-day job.
This prepares them for the one-off issues
that often have the greatest negative
impact on business. Furthermore, most organisations which
provide industry-standard certifications
continue to maintain a relationship with
the individual and their employer, thereby
acting as a source for up-to-date domain
specific information. In short, certifications
help organisations to realise the full benefit
of the training they invest in.
Certifications also ensure that fundamental
theoretical concepts are well understood.
Maintaining a certification requires an
ongoing educational commitment which
keeps skill sets and knowledge up to date. Beyond the obvious technical benefits,
training and certifications can go a long
way in boosting employee satisfaction,
IT efficiency and staff retention. Training
enables organisations to hire entry-level
www.intelligentcio.com
A note on the ‘soft’
benefits
staff and ramp up their skill sets in niche
areas. This not only helps overcome the
regional skills shortage but also encourages
company loyalty. Employees need to
be challenged and convinced of their
continued career growth which is why
training improves job satisfaction and
retention rates.
To summarise, IT training is an expense
for the business, but it is one which brings
substantial short and long-term benefits.
By investing in the right training, delivered
by the right provider, employers get
expertly skilled staff who are committed
to the organisation. These qualified
professionals are equipped with the
knowledge and hands-on experience
to tackle the challenges that complex
IT environments entail. They are more
efficient, innovative and ready to give their
organisation the edge it needs in today’s
digital economy.
INTELLIGENTCIO
45