State of Upskilling Report 2022
Build skills. Retain talent. Roll in the ROI.
Upskilling is a pivotal tool in your organization's success roadmap. That’s no longer up for debate. However, what that upskilling looks like can vary, and your approach can transform your results.
We surveyed 750+ technologists across all industries to get a clear picture of the state of upskilling in tech today. The results might seem like clickbait if we didn’t have the data to back it up. Find out how to retain your talent. Get proactive about building the skills you need to stay competitive—before skills gaps put you behind. Ensure your teams are equipped to tackle whatever challenges come.
Grab your goggles. It’s time to dive into the data pool with the 2022 State of Upskilling.
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You’ll learn:
How technologists feel about upskilling opportunities in their orgs
Where the largest skills gaps exist
Factors that threaten to turn those gaps into chasms
Takeaways you can turn into action items
We know you’re busy, so catch the State of Upskilling highlights here, then download the full report
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Cybersecurity is the number-one skills gap in 2022
Many in the tech industry continue to be frustrated with the ever-increasing skills gaps and the struggle to close them. We also saw a year-over-year consistency in cloud computing and cybersecurity—they continue to be the largest areas of concern for learners and leaders. One change to note: Cybersecurity jumped cloud computing as the top-ranking area of focus for individuals and organizations, likely attributed to the current global geopolitical climate.
61% of technologists use on-demand, self-paced upskilling resources
Respondents with access to modern upskilling options show more confidence in their skills and trust in their organizations. They can view the courses and modules they need, when they need them. These technologists have access to multiple types of upskilling resources and feel stronger personal satisfaction and connection to overall organizational strategy.
The main barriers to upskilling are a lack of dedicated time and budget
There are varying reasons—dependent on the organization—for why technologists aren’t upskilling. They range from low bandwidth to tight budgets and include roadblocks such as unawareness of what’s available, a focus on hiring rather than upskilling and a lack of leader support.
63% of respondents stated they were confident their skills were being used in the best possible way.
Additionally, 71% shared that they had confidence their current job provides growth opportunities.
However …
“Professional growth and learning opportunities” is one of the top reasons technologists seek out new jobs, even ahead of compensation.
Technologists are more comfortable than ever changing employers, but why they’re choosing to leave isn’t always as clear. We asked why respondents would take on roles at other organizations. The number-one reason: Their current job didn’t provide a healthy work-life balance. Other major factors included lack of proper compensation and a toxic work culture.
They help them thrive in their roles. And they enable you to deliver on your objectives. The question is: Are you—or is some element of your business—standing in the way of the kind of upskilling your teams want (and need)? Use the data here, and in our full report, to help you get out of your own way and empower your teams to realize their potential.
Skills help people stay.
Download the full report
Learn more about upskilling your team
About Pluralsight
Thousands of organizations trust Pluralsight to help them upskill and reskill talent at scale. We’re the only partner who can provide:
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Focused solutions for driving strategic cloud transformations across your most advanced and critical roles
3,000+ hands-on labs for the most in-demand skills with specialized experiences across cloud, software development, security, data and IT operations
Insights on skills gaps and where proficiency is improving for your users
Individual on-demand learning and custom, collaborative virtual instructor-led training programs
Software delivery analytics to help you gauge time to full productivity after a learning program
Find out more
Cybersecurity
Cloud computing
Data storage
Network infrastructure
Telecommunication
Social networking tech
Automation of business process
Business continuity planning
Top personal skills gaps
* Note: Respondents could select multiple answers.
43%
39%
36%
23%
25%
24%
18%
28%
Online tech skill development platform
Types of upskilling resources used
* Note: Respondents could select multiple answers.
Virtual instructor-led training
Books, manuals and training guides
Learning management system
Tuition reimbursement
Bootcamps
Hackathons
In-person instructor-led training
61%
43%
37%
37%
28%
18%
12%
37%
11%
User-generated Content
Dedicated work time for learning
37%
Too busy
(other demands prevent learning)
Barriers to upskilling
* Note: Respondents could select multiple answers.
61%
41%
Budget constraints and cost
33%
29%
Distracting work environment
27%
27%
Employer emphasizes hiring rather than upskilling existing talent
18%
22%
Inability to access necessary tools and training
19%
25%
Not enough learning styles/techniques
14%
22%
Lack of support from employer
18%
18%
Not sure what resources to use
18%
12%
None of
the above
10%
Those in leadership positions are more likely to feel a lack of support from employers. (27%) where as individual contributors struggle to understand the resources available (23%)
2022
2021
33%
18%
vs
NA
EMEA
Why technologists are moving on from their current jobs
* Note: Respondents could select multiple answers.
40%
Lack of room for career growth
42%
Lack of work-life balance
42%
Not enough compensation
38%
Toxic work culture
33%
Lack of opportunities to develop new skills
21%
It's time to retire
20%
Misalignment of values
19%
Insufficient guidance from current leader
We know you’re busy, so catch the State of Upskilling highlights here, then download the full report
download the full report
Download the full report
We know you’re busy, so catch the State of Upskilling highlights here, then download the full report
download the full report
Download the full report