It is always cheaper for companies to upskill existing employees and recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, 58.5 per cent of organizations in India have allocated a portion of their Learning and Development budget for FY25 for the same. This is according to Great Learning’s Workforce Skills Evolution Report.One of the most sought after skills that companies now want their employees to master is Generative AI.
The report underscores a unanimous shift towards developing an adaptable workforce and moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to training. Highlighting the findings of the report, Ritesh Malhotra, Enterprise Head at Great Learning, stated, “Organisations now recognise that Generative AI training is crucial for achieving business objectives across all employee levels. By extending this training beyond traditional tech roles, companies are adopting a strategic L&D approach that enables their workforce to streamline processes, automate routine tasks, and drive innovation more effectively, resulting in significant cost savings.”
Expanding role of Generative AI
In fact, Data Science and AI/ML are the top skills for companies in FY25. The Consulting and Energy sectors are leading in adopting these skills to enhance decision-making and business innovation. Cyber Security is a key focus for the BFSI and IT sectors in FY25, primarily for protecting sensitive data and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, Cloud Computing remains crucial for both IT and Energy sectors due to its role in scalable and efficient digital infrastructure.
In FY24, four out of five companies reduced hiring costs by effectively developing internal talent. Of these companies, 64 per cent invested in workforce training to cultivate emerging skills, while 36 per cent focused on improving overall effectiveness and fostering a culture of innovation.
Additionally, nearly 76.6 per cent of companies prioritized training their employees in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Data Engineering. These skills were particularly emphasized by IT sectors and firms specializing in analytics and digital solutions. This trend is expected to continue in FY25, with most organizations maintaining their focus on technical skills training.
In FY25, 50per cent of organizations aim to expand their use of Generative AI beyond technical roles. They seek to leverage Generative AI for a broader range of functions to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. Operations have emerged as the most prominent non-tech function for Generative AI upskilling, followed by customer service and Human Resources. This shift signals an integration of AI-powered solutions to drive innovation and operational improvements across various functions.
Global Capability Centres Shaping the Future Workforce
In FY25, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are expected to continue emphasizing future-ready skills such as AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science. They plan to expand their Learning and Development initiatives to drive global innovation and enhance organizational efficiency, positioning GCCs as crucial hubs for technical advancements and operational excellence.
“Today, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are evolving from being mere recipients of change to active enablers of it. They are investing heavily in training for cutting-edge technologies like Generative AI, Data Analytics, and Cloud Computing to fuel global innovation and enhance organisational efficiency.” said Ritesh Malhotra.
L&D Programs for Early-Career Professionals in FY24
In FY24, over 80per cent of Learning and Development programs for early-career professionals, particularly in IT/ITeS, Analytics/Consulting, and BFSI sectors, were structured as 2-12 week programs, with an average of 15 hours of training per week. Meanwhile, more than 67per cent of training for mid and senior-level executives in Manufacturing and Retail/E-commerce focused on data-driven decision-making and technical skills, typically requiring only a few hours per week to minimize disruptions to productivity. For senior leaders, enterprises preferred 1-3 day workshops combining new technology training with leadership development.
